Source: Organisation of Asia-Pacific News Agencies

Damascus, 12 May - Chairman of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Lenart Bajeh on Wednesday described his discussions with President Bashar al-Assad and senior Syrian officials as important and successful, asserting that he was briefed on the overall development process that Syria is witnessing particularly in the agricultural field. In a press conference attended by Minister of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform Adel Safar, Lenart stressed the standing deep-rooted and developed relations of cooperation between Syria and the Fund. Lenart noticed Syria's keenness on agricultural development through its adoption of the modern irrigation systems and support to farmers. He expressed hope that the Syrian-European Partnership Association will be singed soon for the benefit of both sides as well the poor people in Syria, noticing the fund aimed at improving their financial and social situation and increase productivity of poor.