On July 23, 2003 Minister Oskanian received the newly-appointed Charge d'Affaires of the Syrian Arab Republic, Mr. Hassan Rasslan. Mr. Rasslan presented his credentials to the Armenian Foreign Minister.

Minister Oskanian and Mr. Rasslan spoke about the very positive state of bilateral political relations between the two countries which cooperate within international forums, to the satisfaction of both. At the same time, they expressed their common belief that much more can be done to increase trade between the two countries and generally upgrade economic relations. In this case they noted the importance of the Armenian-Syrian intergovernmental commission¹s activity and the strengthening of business ties between the two states.

Minister Oskanian wished Mr. Rasslan success in his new position.