Israel and Syria on Tuesday agreed during the second day of talks in Paris to create a mechanism that will facilitate de-escalation, diplomacy and commercial opportunities between the two countries, according to a joint statement from the two countries and the US that was released by Washington.

The talks that began on Monday, the first in nearly two months, resulted in the creation of a “joint fusion mechanism” — a “dedicated communication cell” meant to “facilitate immediate and ongoing coordination on their intelligence sharing, military de-escalation, diplomatic engagement and commercial opportunities under the supervision of the United States,” the statement said.

The mechanism will also serve as a means of rapidly resolving disputes.

The talks, according to the statement, “centered on respect for Syria’s sovereignty and stability, Israel’s security, and prosperity for both countries,” and both Syria and Israel reaffirmed “their commitment to strive toward achieving lasting security and stability arrangements for both countries.”

“The United States commends these positive steps and remains committed to supporting the implementation of these understandings, as part of broader efforts to achieve enduring peace in the Middle East,” the statement said. “When sovereign nations cooperate in a respectful and productive way, prosperity will be unleashed.”

According to the three countries, the joint statement “reflects the spirit of today’s great meeting and the Sides’ determination to turn a new page in their relations for the benefit of future generations.”

The talks are the third round between the two enemy states held in Paris. France itself was not set to participate.

A senior Israeli official earlier told The Times of Israel that the talks in Paris were “good and important.”

The sides “agreed for a working group to meet on a frequent and ongoing basis,” the senior official said.

The two sides are also set to institute confidence-building measures, an Israeli........

© The Times of Israel