Message from Philippine President to President al-Assad on hostage

Syria's Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara on Thursday received Special Envoy of Philippines' President Gloria Arroyo, and Presidential Advisor for National Security Norberto Gonzales.

The Philippine's Envoy handed al-Shara a message from the Philippine President to President Bashar al-Assad, and a message from the Philippines' Foreign Minister Dilia Domingo Albert to al-Shara.

Talks during the meeting dealt with the latest developments in the region, particularly in Iraq, the Syrian-Philippines relations and means of developing them.

The Philippine's envoy expressed appreciation over Syria's stance regarding the plight of the Philippine's hostage in Iraq, as well as Syria's keenness on restoring Iraq's security and Stability.

However, Norberto Gonzales expressed hope that his visit to Syria is a beginning in enhancing ties of friendship between Syria and Philippine.

In a statement to reporters on Thursday following his meeting with Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara, he expressed appreciation over Syria's human stance regarding the plight of the Philippine's hostage in Iraq.