This commitment was reaffirmed by both Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Vice President Farouq al-Shara in their separate meetings with visiting Palestinian Foreign Minister Mahmoud al-Zahar.

The two Syrian leaders said Syria would continue its support for the Hamas-led Palestinian government, expressing their hope that the Palestinians could achieve national unity.

They also called on the international community to respect the democratic choice of the Palestinians.

The new Palestinian government led by Hamas was sworn in on March 29 after the Islamic group won the parliamentary elections in January.

Al-Shara said Syria was organizing a nationwide fund-raising campaign for the Palestinians.

On his part, al-Zahar expressed appreciation of Syria's continuous support for the Palestinians, noting that the Palestinians and Syria were embarking on a new era of constructive cooperation.

Al-Zahar's visit came as the Hamas-led Palestinian government was facing shrinking foreign financial aid following the group's refusal to recognize Israel and renounce violence.

Al-Zahar, who arrived in Damascus earlier Thursday from Saudi Arabia, also held talks with his Syrian counterpart Walid Muallem.