Visiting former US President Jimmy Carter on Saturday expressed in Damascus the hope that a new US administration would engage in the peace process in the Middle East, the official SANA news agency reported.
President Carter expressed the hope while meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, saying any progress in this process would contribute significantly to the stability of the region and the world.
The two sides talked about the US-Syrian relations and the prospects for improved bilateral ties with the arrival of the new American administration after President-elect Barack Obama takes office in January.
President Carter, who just wrapped up a tour to neighbouring Lebanon, also discussed with President Assad the indirect peace talks between Syria and Israel under the mediation of Turkey.
Situation in the occupied Palestinian territories in general and in Gaza in particular is also discussed during their talks.
It is President Carter's second trip to Damascus this year. The first one was in April.