After UAE, Syria backs India’s permanent UNSC seat claim

After the UAE, Syria, too, has supported India’s claim for a permanent seat in the reformed United Nations. “We agree with India, and all other peace-loving countries, on the importance of reforming the UN so that it becomes more democratic, representative and efficient,” Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said on Saturday.

Assad offered Syrian support in a statement he read out to the media in the presence of President Pratibha Patil after talks between the two leaders at the People’s Palace here. Patil arrived here on Friday after a five-day visit of the UAE.

Earlier this week, UAE president Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan had extended his country’s support to the Indian claim for a permanent seat in the UN.

The two Presidents discussed the Middle East problem, efforts to step up bilateral trade, and co-operation in economic and infrastructure development, industry and agriculture, health, oil and higher education.