DAMASCUS Deputy Foreign Minister of Syria Suleiman Haddad here Tuesday decorated the outgoing Iranian Ambassador to Damascus Mohammad Hassan Akhtari in appreciation of his diplomatic services. In a ceremony on the occasion, the two officials hoped relations between Iran and Syria would steadily broaden. Akhtari, Iranian ambassador to Damascus for 12 years, is to return home next Friday. His successor is said to be Hossein Sheikholeslam, advisor to the Iranian foreign minister.

(IRNA)