On the Syrian -Lebanese summit

Syrian President Hafez al-Assad and Lebanese President Emile Lahoud held a meeting on Friday at Tishreen palace in Damascus, immediately following President Lahoud's arrival in Damascus, where he was welcomed at the western entrance of Damascus by President al-Assad.

The two presidents started their talks in a closed-door meeting held at Damascus' at al-Chaab Palace. Talks dealt with ties of fraternity between Syria and Lebanon and positive prospects of developing relations in all domains, SANA reported.

The current situation and developments in the region were also reviewed. The assessment of what is going on and what is expected was identical. The two Presidents underlined the importance of continued consultations and coordination and the unity of the Syrian - Lebanese peace tracks.

In the afternoon, al-Assad held a luncheon in honor of President Lahoud. In a departure statement following a one-day visit to Damascus, Lahoud said "It was a great honor for us to meet President al-Assad in the first day following his renomination, and we were completely satisfied with his kindness," the Lebanese president said.

President al-Assad reciprocated by telling Lahoud: "We are together."

Lahoud replied: "Always together, God willing."

President al-Assad was asked about his feelings toward the Lebanese joy shown during the festivity of renomination. He said with a laughter: "I am with the Syrians and Lebanese simultaneously."