Syrian President Bashar al-Assad Sunday received a visiting European parliamentary delegation and discussed with the latter a string of regional issues, including Iraq, Lebanon and Palestinian problems.

According to the official SANA news agency, the president also reviewed the prospects of a European-Syrian partnership agreement during the meeting.

President Assad reasserted the firmness of the Syrian stances in support of the political process in Iraq and what the Palestinians agreed upon, as well as in backing the Lebanese people's agreement away from foreign influences, SANA said.

For their part, head of the delegation, former European Commission chief and Luxembourg's ex-prime minister Jacques Santer, highlighted the importance of the Middle East stability.

"We are seeking, through this visit, to find the required means that guarantee the achievement of security and stability in this important region," Santer was quoted as saying.

"It is necessary for all Europeans to deal with problems of the region and seek the suitable solutions," he added, noting that they would convey to the European peoples the vision of the region's leaders regarding these problems in a way that contributes to understanding them.

The delegation also met other senior officials, including Prime Minister Mohammad Naji Ottri, Vice President Farouk al-Shara and Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem, SANA said.

Source: Xinhua