Syrian Arab News Agency S A N A
Damascus, SANA-President Bashar al-Assad on Tuesday granted late deputy Prime Minister, Foreign and Expatriates Minister, Walid al-Moallem, the Syrian Order of Merit, of the Excellent degree on the occasion of passing 40 days on his demise.
President al-Assad was represented at the memorial ceremony, which was held at Dar al-Assad for Culture and Arts in Damascus, by Minister of the republic Presidential Affairs, Mansour Azzam who handed over the order of merit to the family of al-Moallem at the end of the ceremony.
Foreign and Expatriates Minister, Faysal Mikdad, said “Syria has lost a national figure who was characterized by respect, amity and experience,” adding that al-Moallem was a negotiator, a writer, and smart in addition to his gentleness and ability to make smile on the face of everyone who has known him.
“We are walking with confidence, firmness, and support that does not retreat from our brothers and friends and all peace-loving countries in the world, and this is what our leader, President Bashar al-Assad has established and was implemented by our deceased Walid al-Moallem,” Mikdad added.
For his part, the Apostolic Nuncio to Syria, Ambassador Mario Zenari, said in a speech during the ceremony that late al-Moallem was a diplomat and a man of government who was capable of defending the cause of his homeland, particularly during the years of war to which Syria was exposed.
Cardinal Zenari added that the late minister was an example of sincere diplomats for their country.
He hoped Syria would regain its important role regionally and internationally and continue the reconstruction process, calling on all the displaced to return to their country and redouble efforts by the international community to help bring peace to Syria through diplomacy and dialogue.
Bushra Dabin/ Mazen Eyon
