Ministry of foreign Affairs of South Ossetia sent a note of condolences to Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants of the Syrian Arab Republic on the passing of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants of the Syrian Arab Republic, Mr. Walid al-Muallem.
"The entire long life of Mr. Walid al-Muallem is marked by the noble deed of serving his country and its people. Being a truly epoch-making figure in the history of Syrian diplomacy, he made an invaluable contribution to protecting Syria's foreign policy interests, strengthening its international positions in difficult times for the country," - the Foreign Ministry said in the statement on Monday. - High professionalism and vast experience, the ability to find diplomatic resources to solve the most difficult problems, adherence to principles and responsibility in the implementation of all the goals set before him have earned Mr. Walid al-Muallem deep respect, well-deserved authority and recognition among colleagues and international partners ".
The Foreign Ministry has noted that the invariably attentive attitude of Mr. Walid al-Muallem to the issues of interstate cooperation between the Republic of South Ossetia and the Syrian Arab Republic has fully contributed to the dynamic and constructive development of bilateral cooperation.
"The bright memory of the outstanding statesman, great friend of South Ossetia will forever remain in the hearts and memory of our people," the Foreign Ministry said in the note.
In these sorrowful days, the Ministry shares the pain of loss with the family and friends of Mr. Walid al-Muallem and sends condolences to all the people of the Syrian Arab Republic on the occasion of the irreparable loss.
On November 16, a great friend of the Ossetian people, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants of the Syrian Arab Republic, Mr. Walid al-Muallem, passed away.
Walid Muallem was born on July 17, 1941 in Damascus, Syria.
From 1964 he was working in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Syria, served in the Syrian diplomatic missions in Tanzania, Saudi Arabia, Spain and England.
In 1975 he was appointed Ambassador of Syria to Romania.
1990 to 1999 he served as ambassador to the United States.
In 2005, he was appointed Deputy Prime Minister of Syria, served as Deputy Foreign Minister.
On February 11, 2006, he was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs of Syria.
Walid Muallem is the author of four books on the history of Syria: "Palestine and the armed world", "Syria during the Mandate period 1917-1948", "Syria: from independence to unification 1948-1958"and" Peace and the middle East through the eyes of Americans".
Mr. Walid al-Muallem has convincingly and productively carried out progressive work to protect the foreign policy interests of Syria in the difficult conditions of the current international situation. His contribution to the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of South Ossetia and the Syrian Arab Republic and the further development of interstate cooperation is invaluable. His unwavering attention to issues related to South Ossetia has largely contributed to the achievement of a high level of bilateral cooperation in the shortest possible time.
