Berri after Meeting Assad: Saudi-Syrian Bridge is Road to Salvation

House Speaker Nabih Berri stressed on Wednesday that the Saudi-Syrian axis is the road to salvation, saying that the Lebanese should help themselves through their unity and cooperation in solving any problem.

He made his statements after holding talks with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus that addressed bilateral ties between Lebanon and Syria, latest developments in Lebanon, and efforts to tackle problems that are threatening its stability and security.

The speaker voiced his appreciation for all of Syria's efforts in instilling stability in Lebanon and its keenness to establish the best ties with it, reported SANA.

Discussions also addressed developments on the Arab and regional scenes, especially those in Iraq and the Palestinian territories.

Berri's visit came in light of previous visits by Lebanese officials and politicians to Syria that were aimed at bolstering ties between the two neighboring countries.

Berri was accompanied by his political aide, MP Ali Hasan Khalil.

The speaker had reportedly requested an urgent meeting with Assad, but An Nahar newspaper on Wednesday said that the visit was planned.

It said that the trip comes as part of a tour Berri wanted to make to Damascus and Riyadh before visiting Paris end of October.

Berri, in remarks published by As Safir on Wednesday, said his visit is designed to discuss the current situation in Lebanon, how to protect internal stability and find appropriate solutions to the ongoing crisis over the International Tribunal.