Sheikh Hamad concludes visit to Syria

Bahrain's crown prince Sheikh Salman Bin Hamad al-Khaleifa left Damascus on Tuesday following a two-day visit to Syria. He was seen off at Damascus airport by President Bashar al-Assad. He was also seen off by the minister of higher education Hassan Resheh and Bahrain's ambassador in Damascus.

Earlier in the day, the Syrian vice President Abdul Halim Khaddam met with Bahrain's crown prince and discussions dealt with the international situation and its reflections on the region and the importance of enhancing inter- Arab solidarity to challenge threats imposed on the Arab nation and the importance of joint Arab work to liberate the occupied Arab lands and restore back the Palestinian national rights.

In a tour in the old markets of Damascus, Sheikh Salman visited "Lady Zeinab" shrine in Damascus and he was accompanied by minister Resheh.

The visiting Bahraini crown prince also visited the patriarchy of the Greek- Catholic church in Damascus and the convent of "Saint Paul in Bab Sharqi (the eastern gate) as well as Hanania Chapel and a Damascene old house.