Pretoria - Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe concluded a two-day working visit to Syria with a vow that the two countries will work together in removing all other impediments to trade and investment.
Motlanthe's visit was aimed at strengthening existing relations between the two countries, and create an enabling environment for increased trade and investment between the two states.
The trip, which coincided with that of the group of Elders - formed by Nelson Mandela in 2007- was also Pretoria's effort to contribute to the resolution of the decades-old Palestine and Israel crisis.
The visit saw the signing of two agreements, the Agreement on Economic and Trade Cooperation and Protocol on Cooperation Agreement.
Motlanthe's spokesperson Thabo Masebe said the two agreements will pave the way for businesses from South Africa and Syria to take full advantage of excellent diplomatic relations between the two states to establish strong business ties which will lead to increased economic activity.
"South Africa and Syria will explore cooperation in the areas of education, information and communication technology, science and technology, agriculture and forestry, financial services and construction," said Masebe.
A South Africa-Syria Business Forum was also established to create a platform for the business people from both countries to work together on projects that can contribute to increased trade and investment between the two countries.
Trade volumes between the two countries have not been reflective of the good relations that exist. But hopefully this will change with the signing of the two agreements. This has been largely due to Syria's closed and rigid socialist economic model entirely dependent on oil export revenues.
South Africa and Syria are now working on key outstanding agreements; the protection of investments and the avoidance of double taxation. This will protect South African businesses wishing to invest in the Syrian economy. A business council will also be formed.
During the visit Motlanthe met with representatives of Palestinian political organisations, where he received a briefing on the ongoing Palestinian struggle for self determination.
There he offered South Africa's continued support for the Palestinian people in their quest for self-determination.
