SANA

 President Bashar al-Assad and former President of Lebanon Gen. Emile Lahoud on Tuesday expressed satisfaction over the positive steps the Syrian-Lebanese relations have made during the past year.

Both sides stressed the need for building on what has been achieved in order to establish good relations that would serve the two brotherly countries' common interests and contribute to bolstering the unity of Arab ranks.

President al-Assad highly valued Gen. Lahoud's national stances and his ongoing efforts to preserve the unity, security and stability of Lebanon.

For his part, Gen. Lahoud voiced high appreciation of Syria's efforts to support Lebanon and secure best relations with it. Discussion during the meeting also touched upon the latest developments in the Arab and regional arenas.

Lahoud's two sons, Emile Jr. and Ralph attended the meeting.