Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al - Moallem walks with the Palestinian leader Mahmoud AbbasSyrian Foreign Minister Walid al - Moallem ( R ) , walks with the Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas on 12 October 2008 at the latter ' s residence at the Meridien Hotel in Damascus . Earlier in the day , Abbas held talks with Syrian President Bashar Assad . Abbas said his meeting with Assad was ' very good . ' al - Moallem , who attended the meeting , said Syria backs Egypt ' s efforts to achieve a Palestinian reconciliation , adding that Syria is desirous to assist in this field . He added that Abbas visit is ' very important at this time and we hope it can help achieve a Palestinian reconciliation . ' EPA / YOUSSEF BADAWI < 긴급 속보 SMS 신청 > < 포토 매거진 > < 스포츠 뉴스 는 M - SPORTS >< 저작권자 ( c ) 연합뉴스 . 무단 전재 - 재배 포금 지 . >