Paris, (SANA) – President Bashar al-Assad received on Sunday at his residence in Paris the Prime Minister of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan and discussed with him the distinguished relations between the two countries, regional developments, the indirect negotiations between Syria and Israel mediated by Turkey.

For his part, Premier Erdogan expressed relief over the results of President al-Assad's visit to France and the European openness towards Syria.

After reviewing the agenda of the Union for the Mediterranean Summit, both sides stressed its importance and the necessity of correspondence of the political and economic tracks of this project, which would push the peace process forward and achieve just and comprehensive peace in the region and establish cooperation between the two banks of the Mediterranean.

Regarding the peace process, President al-Assad pointed out that Turkey and France will play a vital part in the next stage when the suitable conditions and groundwork are provided to move to direct negotiations between Syria and Israel.

The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem and the delegation accompanying Premier Erdogan.

H. Sabbagh / Ahmad Fathi ZAHRA