A message from Syrian president to Mandela

South Africann President Nelson Mandela on Thursday received Syrian Vice-President Abdul Halim Khaddam who conveyed a message to from President Hafez al-Assad concerning international, regional and bilateral issues, and developments in the Middle East peace process.

Khaddam conveyed a message from al-Assad inviting Mandela to visit Syria. Mandela promised to fulfill the invitation very soon.

Earlier, at his residence in Durban, Khaddam received Iranian President Muhammad Khatami. Talks dealt with bilateral relations, the situation in the Middle East and issues of mutual concern.

Khaddam also discussed with Oman's Foreign Minister Youssef Bin Alawi bilateral relations, the Arab condition and issues of mutual concern.

In other separate meetings, the Syrian vice President met with the foreign ministers of Morocco, Pakistan and Kuwait. Talks dealt with the general Arab condition and matters of mutual concern.