Kiev, (SANA)-Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem discussed on Thursday with Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament Volodymyr Lytvyn current regional situation and the solid historical relations between Syria and Ukraine, as well as means of enhancing them in all fields, mainly in the parliamentary, educational and cultural spheres.

Lytvyn stressed the importance of President al-Assad's forthcoming visit to Ukraine in consolidating bilateral relations between the two countries, hoping President al-Assad will meet Ukrainian parliamentarians during the visit.

He said that Ukraine considers Syria as one of the most important and influential countries in the Middle East, hailing its reputability on the international arena and its pivotal role in the regional and international arenas.

Earlier, during his meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov, al-Moallem discussed the agreements and cooperation programs between Syria and Ukraine and the proposals to activate them. The two sides also reviewed political developments in the region and Syria's important role in achieving security and stability.

Azarov underlined the importance of President al-Assad's visit to Ukraine in response to an invitation by the Ukrainian leadership, adding that the Ukrainian government will spare no effort to make it a success.

Manal Ismael/Ghossoun