Damascus, (SANA) – President Bashar al-Assad reviewed on Wednesday with US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs William Burns bilateral relations between the two countries and means for improving them.

President al-Assad and Burns discussed the practical steps taken in this regard and the need for continuing constructive and serious dialogue based on mutual respect and common interests to benefit both countries.

The meeting also dealt with the latest developments in the region, particularly in Iraq and the occupied Palestinian lands and the stalled peace process, with President affirming the importance of a US role in the peace process that supports the Turkish role, stressing the need for the United States to adopt polices that push Israel to accept the requirements of peace.

In turn, Burns said that US President Barack Obama wishes to enhance communication and coordination between the US and Syria regarding various issues, underlining Syria's pivotal role in the region.

The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem, Deputy Foreign Minister Dr. Fayssal Mikdad, the delegation accompanying Burns, the Syrian Ambassador in Washington and the Director of the America Department at the Foreign Ministry.

Later, Minister al-Moallem held a meeting with Burns.

In a statement to the press, Burns said "I'm pleased to back in Damascus... I'm here to convey President Obama's continous interest in building better relations with Syria based upon of mutual interests and mutual respect."

Burns added that he held extensive and fruitful talks with President al-Assad and discussed points of disagreement frankly and established points for mutual ground to build upon.

He affirmed that Syria plays an important role in the Middle East, saying "this is the moment in which both Syria and the United States to further explore ways in which to cooperate ."

Burns noted that the White House naming Robert Ford as US Ambassador in Syria, which is pending Senate approval, is a clear sign of Washington's readiness to cooperate in improving the relations between the two countries, achieving progress on all tracks of the peace process, and realizing peace and stability in the region.

He also added that Coordinator of the Counterterrorism Office at the US State Department Daniel Benjamin will stay in Damascus for one more day to hold more meetings, saying "there are a lot of challenges on the road ahead of us, but my meeting with President al-Assad made me hopeful that we can make progress together in the interest of our both countries."

President al-Assad held talks with US Special Envoy for Middle East Peace George Mitchell during his third visit to Syria on Januaray 20, 2010. The talks dealt with bilateral relations and peace prospects, stressing that peace contribute to solving a lot of the pending issues in the region.

US Congress and State Department delegations also visited Damascus during the last period.

H.Zain/ Idelbi / H. Sabbagh/ I. al-Kazhali