Damascus, June 10 (SANA)Syrian and French military officials discussed issues of mutual interest and ways to strengthen bilateral defense cooperation during talks inDamascus, theMinistry of Defensesaid.

Deputy Defense Minister Major General Mohammad Khair Hassan Shuaib received Hervé Hamelin, Head of International Military Relations at theFrench Armed Forces General Staff, and an accompanying delegation.

The discussions focused on avenues for expanding military cooperation betweenSyriaandFrancein a manner that serves the mutual interests of the two countries.

The meeting follows earlier Syrian-French contacts. On May 7, PresidentAhmad al-Sharaareceived GeneralVincent Giraud, Chief of Staff to the President of the French Republic, and an accompanying delegation at the People’s Palace in Damascus. Defense Minister Maj. Gen. Murhaf Abu Qasra also met Giraud to discuss military cooperation.