Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 14 March 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 March 2001. It was answered by Brian Wilson (Labour) on Monday, 19 March 2001 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent contacts have taken place between ministers and the President of Syria; and if he will make a statement on the outcome of such contacts.

Answer: Mr. Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent contacts have taken place between Ministers and the President of Syria; and if he will make a statement on the outcome of such contacts. [154330] Mr. Wilson: The Prime Minister had a telephone conversation with the Syrian President on 10 October. The Foreign Secretary has met the Syrian President twice during the past year, on 12 October and 13 June. The right hon. Member for Hartlepool (Mr. Mandelson), while Northern Ireland Secretary, was invited by the Syrian President to a private meeting on 4 January 2001. The UK has good relations with Syria. Contacts with the Syrian President have focused on improving bilateral co-operation and on moving forward the middle east peace process.

Secondary information