Damascus,(SANA)- President Bashar al-Assad received a verbal message from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques , King Abdullah Bin AbdulAziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia on prospects of bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries, and with the latest developments in the Arab arena, conveyed by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud AlFaisal this afternoon.

During the meeting, the current Arab situation and the challenges facing the Arabs particularly in the Palestinian and Yemeni arenas were  reviewed with both sides stressing keenness for the integrity and unity of the Yemeni territories, and for its sovereignty and stability, and for the urgent need for the achievement of the Palestinian reconciliation.

President al-Assad reiterated Syria's support to any effort contributing to finding a solution that includes the unity of the Palestinian ranks.

The meeting also dealt with the importance of continuing the Syrian-Saudi consultations and coordination regarding the Arab files and issues of mutual concern in the service of the interests of the two brotherly peoples and all the Arabs.

In a statement to reporters following the meeting , the Saudi Foreign Minsiter said that he conveyed a message to President al-Assad from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques , connected with the situation prevailing the region and ways of boosting consultations and work in the Arab framework with the aim of finding solutions to the problems in the region.

AlFaisal added that the talks dealt with numerous issues including the peace process and the obstacles laid by Israel in its way , indicating that an agreement was made on the necessity for unifying the Arab ranks and work for achievement of bilateral interests.

On Iraq, alFaisal said that Syria and Saudi Arabia hope that the forthcoming elections will lead to finding solutions to the Iraqi main problems.

Last November, President al-Assad held talks with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in Damascus , connected with bilateral relations and ways to push them up, and with boosting solidarity and Arab joint action in the service of the Arab and Islamic interests.

Agreement was made on  the necessity for convening the Syrian-Saudi Higher Committee, and on activating trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.

A.N.Idelbi