No:184 - 17 October 2008, Press Release Regarding the UN Security Council Elections for the Term 2009-2010 (Unofficial Translation) No:182 - 16 October 2008, Press Release Regarding the Joint Statement Between Syria and Lebanon (Unofficial Translation) No:179 - 4 October 2008, The attack by the PKK near the Turkish-Iraqi border has caused great outrage (Unofficial Tarnslation) No:178 - 2 October 2008, Press Release Regarding the Speech of Mr. Mehmet Ali Talat, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) Autumn Plenary Session
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  5. No:182 - 16 October 2008, Press Release Regarding the Joint Statement Between Syria and Lebanon (Unofficial Translation)
No:182 - 16 October 2008, Press Release Regarding the Joint Statement Between Syria and Lebanon (Unofficial Translation)

At the meeting held between His Excellency President Michel Suleiman of the Republic of Lebanon and His Excellency President Bashar al-Assad of the Syrian Arab Republic during President Suleiman’s official visit to Syria on August 13-14, 2008, the two leaders have agreed on establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries and appointing ambassadors to each other’s capital. In that respect, both sides issued decrees so as to ensure opening of embassies and Foreign Minister Walid al-Mouallem of Syria and Foreign Minister Fawzi Salloukh of Lebanon signed a Joint Statement in Damascus on October 15, 2008 to establish diplomatic relations between the two countries. The Joint Statement emphasized the aim to enhance the relations between the two countries on the basis of mutual respect based upon the principles of independence and sovereignty.

We welcome the steps taken towards the establishment of diplomatic relations and the improvement of relations between the two countries and believe that such steps will contribute to peace, tranquility and stability in our region.

Turkey will continue to resolutely support all constructive and positive steps directed towards the establishment of peace, security and stability in the Middle East.