Syrian President Hafez al-Assad and President Nicolae Ceausescu of Romania have opened a new oil refinery, built in Syria with Romanian aid. The ceremony was held during an extensive tour of Syria by the Romanian president.

SYNOPSIS: The two presidents arrived at Tartus by helicopter and were greeted by a welcoming throng.

President Ceausescu was on a five-day official visit, during which he planned to make an extensive tour of Syria, including the northern coastal city of Latakia, the Euphrates Dam in the north-east, and then Damascus for formal talks with President Assad. The visit to Banias proved popular: The main event was the opening of the new 250-million dollar (115- million pound) oil refinery which provides many new jobs in the district. The Romanian assistance in the project was recognised by displays of Romanian flags and expressions of fraternity by the refinery workers.

During the ceremony President Assad said he had agreed with President Ceausescu on the need for the development of co-operation between the two countries. During celebration to welcome President Ceausescu, President Assad bitterly accused the United States and Egypt of destroying efforts for a comprehensive peace in the Middle East. He said the peace agreement between Egypt and Israel would prolong the Israeli occupation of Arab land and the deprivation of Palestinian rights.

Later both leaders reaffirmed their friendship and demanded Israel's withdrawal from Arab lands.