Vajpayee's visit affirms India's Historical Ties, Strong Friendship with Syria
November 17, 2003
Syria rolled out a warm red carpet to welcome Indian leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee in his significant visit to Syria, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 15 years. ...
PM Vajpayee and president al-Assad jointly inaugurated a Center for Biotechnology in the Damascus University established in cooperation with India. In addition, PM Vajpayee has announced a number of other initiatives such as line of credit, grants for multi-purposes institutions.
On the other hand, the Syria Time met. Tarun Vijay, Chief Editor of Panchjanya newspaper. Although his visit was short, Vijay could attain precise details as regards the county, and her people, speaking highly about Syrian women describing them as more dynamic than men. Asking him about his impression about his impression about Syria before coming to the country, Vijay said, "This is my first visit to this country. Syria is an Arab Muslim country, hence, I thought it must be a very conservative country, but when I came here I realized that I was totally wrong, all my perceptions were proved wrong,"
Women, Vijay went on to say, are treated equally in Syria, and in some ways they seem to be more dynamic than men.
"People are very warm and friendly to Indians, they have a special feeling for us which is cultural and civilizationl," Vijay affirmed.
I was also impressed by the way family values are respected here, It is essentially an oriental value and the secular rule of President Bashar Al-Assad is a significant contribution of Syria to the Arab world.
Regarding the places he visited, Vijay said, " I visited many places in Syria and I found some of them even more modern and progressive than many of our Indian cities.
We went to the Umayyad Mosque although we are Hindus, But we were welcomed honorably in the Mosque. We saw all areas of the Mosque. We saw all areas of the Mosque where prayers are performed, and I bowed my head in reverence, because to me God is one."
We, Vijay added, also went to Maaloula and visited Saint Takla Church.We found that Muslims and Christians are living happily in Syria and this is a very happy outcome of a great civilization that treats every one equally. However, I am deeply overwhelmed with modern liberal and futuristic outlook of Syrian people especially the young generation. They are full of confidence and are looking for opportunities to learn more and move ahead.
There is a spark in the eyes and fortunately your President is also very young.
I believe that young people from Syria should visit India. I'll be very happy that President Al-Assad who has accepted our Prime Minister Vajpayee's invitation to visit India, will be accompanied by a delegation that comprises young people working in the fields of culture, art, music as well as academics.
I also feel a great need for Syrian journalists to visit India and I will suggest to my Prime Minister to start program of youth exchange.
I took more than 200 pictures of Damascus, places, monuments and Syrian people, they were very happy although I was afraid that they would refuse.
"Syrians are very cultured, sophisticated and graceful. When I go back home, I will write my memories in Panchjanya newspaper. I pray that through Syria’s true efforts peace will be established in the Middle East and Indo- Syrian relations will grow stronger”, Vijay concluded.
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