The Syrian presidency said in a press release that the two sides discussed preparations being made by Bahrain for the success of the summit, in addition to issues on the agenda of this event, particularly with regard to current challenges.

They also discussed ways to boost bilateral relations between the two countries for the interest and benefit of their respective peoples.

President Al-Assad stressed the importance of strengthening Arab solidarity and joint action to achieve stability in the region and face the challenges.

Earlier, Foreign and Expatriates Minister Faisal Al-Mekdad received his counterpart from the Kingdom of Bahrain at the Foreign Ministry headquarters in the capital.

This is the first visit of a Bahraini high-level official since the beginning of the war in Syria in 2011.

The Syrian leader had received an invitation in late March from His Majesty Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain, the host country of the event.

After a 12-year hiatus, Al-Assad participated in May 2023 in the 32nd Arab League summit after his country was readmitted to the Arab League.

mh/oda/fm