Baghdad, (SANA)-Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari stressed his country's keenness on building distinguished relations with Syria and upgrading them to wider prospects in all fields.

Zebari, during reception a copy of credentials of Syrian Ambassador to Iraq Nawaf al-Sheikh Faris in Baghdad on Monday, pointed out to the historical relations between the two countries, expressing his country's desire to further develop and enhance these relations for the best benefit of the two brotherly people in Syria and Iraq.

Ambassador Faris told SANA in phone call that Minister Zebari expressed during the meeting his high appreciation of the constructive role of Syria under the leadership of President Bashar al-Assad towards the issues of the region, particularly towards Iraq.

Ambassador Faris was sworn in before President al-Assad on September 16 as Syria's Ambassador to Iraq.

Diplomatic relations between Syria and Iraq were resumed on December 11 2006. The two sides stressed importance of this step in boosting up the relations between the two sisterly countries based on the historical ties linking them.  The move also mirrors willingness and good, strong desire to rebuild the ties on firm and solid bases.

Ahmad Fathi ZAHRA