Syria's Foreign Minister Walid al-Moalem, 79, had for years been in poor health with heart problems.  (Photo: Shamil Zhumatov/Reuters)

Damascus, November 16 (RHC)-- Syria’s top diplomat and longtime Foreign Minister Walid al-Moalem has died, state TV reported early on Monday.  There were no details on the cause of death, but the 79-year old had for years been in poor health with heart problems.

Moalem was first appointed foreign minister in 2006 and also held the post of deputy prime minister.  The veteran diplomat was born into a Sunni family on January 13, 1941 in Damascus.  He received primary and secondary education in public schools from 1948 to 1960.  Then he obtained a bachelor of arts degree in economics from Cairo University in 1963.

Walid al-Moalem was married and is survived by his wife and three children.  He died early Monday morning in Damascus, the Syrian capital.