VP takes up mutual relations with Syrian president

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Iraqi Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi on Wednesday discussed with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad means of boosting bilateral relations between the two countries. “The meeting tackled recent developments on the Iraqi scene. President Assad reiterated his country’s support for Iraq’s unity, stability and its political process…,” the Syrian Arab News Agency SANA wrote on its official web site. Earlier today, Hashemi arrived in Syria after wrapping up a visit to Lebanon, where he met with Parliament’s Speaker Nabih Berri and the leader of the parliamentary majority, Saad al-Hariri. Syrian Vice President Farouk al-Sharaa and his deputy Mohamed Nassief received Hashemi at Damascus International Airport. Hashemi had arrived in Beirut last Monday coming from Ankara. SS (P) 1