Canada's FM in Syria today

Canadian sources described on Thursday the Syrian-Canadian relations as deep and noted that they were based on common interest and close ties.

Canada's Foreign Minister Pierre Pettigrew will start a visit to Syria on Saturday in framework of a tour in the Middle East that includes Lebanon, Jordan, Isarel and the Palestinian territories, Al-Thawra newspaper quoted sources at the Canadian Foreign Ministry Friday.

" The visit of FM Pettigrew comes in frame of enhancing these ties and confirms that peace, stability, development and prosperity are common grounds the countries are working for," the sources said.

A high ranking Canadian delegation is accompanying Pettigrew. It includes two MP at the Canadian House of Commons. The Canadian working team is scheduled to discuss bilateral ties, the Mideast peace process and updated events in each of Palestine and Iraq.

Pettigrew will arrive Damascus coming from Beirut where he arrived last night and said he would talk over situations in the region.