Syria wants stronger relation with US

Washington, Feb.1 (ANI): Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has said that he is looking forward to strengthen ties with the United States.

Assad met the U.S. congressional delegation headed by Democratic Rep. Adam Smith of Washington State and expressed hope that the two countries would see more co-operation in future which is necessary for the stability in the Middle East.

"The president underlined the importance of conducting a positive and constructive dialogue which is built on the basis of the mutual interests and reciprocal respect between Syria and the United States," The CBS quoted a top Syrian official, as saying.

Assad also briefed the US delegation about the steps taken by Damascus particularly after the recent Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip.

The talks are seen as a step to break the dead lock between the two countries whose relations were strained under the former President George W. Bush, who frequently accused Damascus of allowing people and weapons across their border into Iraq to fight American troops. (ANI)