Syria’s relations with Iran, Azerbaijan and Israel, the situation in Middle East as well as the Armenian-Turkish rapprochement were in focus of talks between Turkish President Abdullah Gul and his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad, who is on a visit in Ankara.

“Historical ties between Syria and Turkey contribute to development of economic and political relations,” Sabah newspaper quoted the Syrian President as saying.

He also said that his country can mediate for Armenian-Turkish reconciliation, given Damascus’s excellent relations with Yerevan and Ankara.