Damascus, (SANA)- Chairman of the Russian Federation Council Foreign Affairs Committee Mikhail Margelov said the visit of Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev to Damascus was a very serious step and clear mark that Syria is a strategic partner for Russia and will always be like that.

"It is a serious step and clear indication for all in the Middle East, on both the regional and international levels, that Syria is a strategic partner for Russia. It is obvious for us that the relations with Syria are basic ones", Margelov said in an interview with the Syrian Tishreen daily published on Wednesday.

Margelov added that the visit "carries big cordial and friendly meanings. It is undoubtedly historical."

On the Palestinian situation, Margelov said "if the Palestinians close their ranks, arrange their internal affairs and unify their stances, Russia can help them more effectively."

On President Medvedev's invitation during his press conference Tuesday for the Americans to play a more active role in the peace issue, Mergelov said "Americans, with regret, are moving in the region according to specific projects".

H.Zain/ M.O