Syria, Lebanon pledge to open new prospects on bilateralties

DAMASCUS, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- The leaders of Syria and Lebanon on Saturday pledged to open new prospects on bilateral relations and enhance cooperation between the two countries, the official SANA news agency reported.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Saturday afternoon met with visiting Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri at Tishreen Presidential Palace in Damascus.

It is the 39-year-old prime minister's first visit since the Lebanese national unity government formed last month.

The talk is "frank, positive and cordial," the agency quoted the spokeswoman of the president, Buthaina Shaaban, as saying.

"The three-hour talks between President Assad and Hariri discussed all topics related to the Syrian-Lebanese relations with emphasis on the future relations between the two countries and activating the institutions. Talks were held in frank, positive and cordial atmosphere," she said.

Assad highlighted that the relations between Syria and Lebanon as close and strategic, reiterating that Syria will spare no efforts to boost the relations between the two countries and enhance Lebanon's unity, security and stability, the report said.

Hariri said his government is looking for establishing real and strategic relations with Syria which serve the interests of both countries.

That good and close relations between Syria and Lebanon boost their stance and strength, the prime minister added.

Earlier on Saturday, Hariri began a two-day visit to Syria.

Assad on Friday pledged to boost cooperation between Syria and Lebanon and continue coordination and consultation on all levels when he met with his Lebanese counterpart Michel Suleiman in Damascus.

Syria has played an important role in the formation of the new government presided by Hariri, the son of the former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri who was assassinated in 2005.

Many Lebanese blamed Syria for involving in the murder; however, Damascus denies it had anything to do with Hariri's murder.

After years of tense ties over the murder of his father, Hariri told Lebanese parliament before the vote of confidence this month that he was interested in forging "brotherly ties" with Damascus.

Although Syria had withdrawn its troops from the neighboring country in April 2005 after decades of military presence, Damascus still has big influence in Lebanon by supporting Hezbollah-dominant March 8 Alliance opposition.