Sezer describes talks with president al-Assad as fruitful; underlines Syria's importance in the region

Turkish President Ahmed Necedet Sezer described Thursday talks with Syria's President Bashar al-Assad as "fruitful" where both sides discussed historic ties between Syria and Turkey as well as regional issues.

"My visit to Syria is so important ... not only for the Arab and Islamic world but also for the whole region," Sezer told reporters immediately after turning back to Ankara.

The Turkish president said that both Syrian and Turkish sides agreed on improving the standing relations between the two countries in fields of policy, economy and trade, pointing out that Syria is considered an important country in the region.

Sezer stressed that developing relations between Syria and Turkey will contribute a lot to realize peace and stability in the region noting "future of our joint ties will be wonderful."