Syrian President arrives, two pacts to be signed

New Delhi, Jun 18 (PTI) - Syrian President Bashar al-Assad
arrived here Tuesday on his first visit to India during which
the two countries will discuss ways to enhance ties and sign
two agreements, including one on avoidance of double taxation.

Al-Assad, who is accompanied on his five-day visit by his
wife Asma and a high-level delegation, was received at the
Indira Gandhi International Airport by Minister of State for
External Affairs E Ahamed.

The Syrian President will hold talks with Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh Wednesday on a wide range of issues aimed at
enhancing bilateral ties, particularly in the fields of
economic, trade and energy.

The two leaders are also expected to discuss the
situation in Arab world, including Iran and Iraq.

After the talks, the two sides are expected to sign an
agreement on Double Taxation Avoidance Treaty (D.T.A.A.) and a
pact on prevention of fiscal evasion on taxes on income.

Al-Assad will also meet President Pratibha Patil, Vice
President Hamid Ansari, External Affairs Minister Pranab
Mukherjee, Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Leader of
Opposition L. K. Advani.

The Syrian President will visit the headquarters of
government-owned National Informatics Centre here to see the
functioning of the premier computer service provider.

He will also travel to Bangalore and visit tour
information technology and biotechnology establishments as
well as the Indian Space Research Organisation.

The Syrian first couple will also visit the Taj Mahal.

"We hope the visit is going to give a very good impetus
to Syria-India relations," Syrian Expatriates Minister
Bouthaina Shaaban said. PTI