DAMASCUS, May 29 (RIA Novosti, Nadim Zuaui) - Russian Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin discussed with Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Naji al-Utri prospects of bilateral economic cooperation in Syrian capital Damascus on Saturday night.Earlier on Saturday, Kudrin arrived in Damascus on a two-day visit. The sides plan to sign an agreement on the settlement of Syria's debt to Russia during the visit.The signing ceremony is scheduled for Sunday morning at the Syrian Finance Ministry.
On January 25, 2005, Russian and Syrian finance ministers Alexei Kudrin and Mohammad al-Husayn, signed a protocol on coordination of main aspects of the debt settlement during the visit of Syrian president Bashar al-Asad to Russia.
The Russian government approved the draft agreement on Thursday.
According to the Syrian finance minister, the settlement of Syria's debt to Russia opens broad possibilities for bilateral cooperation.
"During the visit of the Russian minister to Syria, the sides will sign the agreement on the settlement of the debt, which will close a 'thick dossier.' It opens broad possibilities for cooperation between our countries in all spheres," al-Hussein said in an interview with Syrian journalists.
He also said during Kudrin's visit to Syria the sides would discuss joint projects aimed at increasing bilateral trade turnover.
