LOC13:31
10:31 GMT
(With photos)
DAMASCUS, Jan 31 (KUNA) -- Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad underscored
Saturday the importance of positive and constructive dialogue between his
country and the US, based on mutual respect and common interests.
This came in a presidential statement issued following the president's
meeting with a US Congress delegation, headed by Congressman Adam Smith.
According to the statement, the two sides discussed bilateral relations and
means to broaden them.
The Syrian president also briefed the delegation on his country's vision
pertaining to the Middle East, especially following the Israeli aggression on
Gaza Strip.
The US delegation was quoted as having reaffirmed the important role played
by Syria in the region, and said that the new US Administration looked forward
to developing US-Syrian relations in the interest of peace in the Middle East.
The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Walid Al-Muallem and the
President's Political and Media Advisor Buthaina Shaaban. (end)
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KUNA 311331 Jan 09NNNN