Algeria cites ‘positive atmosphere’ on Syria’s ties with Arab neighbors

By Abd al-Razzaq bin Abdullah

ALGIERS, Algeria (AA) – Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra on Monday cited a “positive atmosphere” regarding Syria’s relations with its Arab neighbors.

“There is a positive atmosphere regarding Syria’s relationship with its Arab neighborhood,” Lamamra told a press conference in Damascus with his Syrian counterpart Faisal Mekdad.

“Syria’s absence from the Arab League harms the joint Arab action,” he added in comments regarding Syria’s possible return to the pan-Arab body.

The top Algerian diplomat said he conveyed a message from President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad, without providing any further details about its content.

He said both Algiers and Damascus have the desire “to advance their distinguished relations to promising horizons in all fields.”

Mekdad, for his part, said Syria is coordinating with Algeria and some Arab countries.

"Syria's presence among Arab countries is very important, and we are supportive of any measures that serve Arab solidarity," he added.

Lamamra concluded a two-day visit to Damascus earlier Monday as part of a regional tour that included Iraq ahead of the annual Arab summit in November.

Algeria was among Arab countries that refused to sever relations with the Syrian regime following the outbreak of the Syrian conflict in 2011.

*Ikram Imane Kouachi in Ankara contributed to this report