MOSCOW, December 19 (Itar-Tass) – Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad said at talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday that Syria intends to develop relations with Russia, implement agreements in concrete projects, the more so that the Russian role in the world has substantially grown.

“I think that we will be able to consolidate the results of my previous visit to Russia so that they took shape in real actions and projects,” Assad said. “Our joint cooperation has become much more stronger recently,” the Syrian president added.

“One of the aims of my visit is to expand cooperation in various spheres, especially considering the fact that your role in the world has considerably grown in recent years,” Assad stressed.

The Syrian head of state pointed out he is ready to discuss the Middle East developments. “Syria plays an important role in the region and exerting every effort we make a contribution to the maintenance of stability there, and we will also encourage the others to act in the same direction,” Assad said.