Visiting British Foreign Secretary David Miliband yesterday described Syria as a "very important" country in the Middle East and plays a "basic" role in boosting stability in the region, the official SANA news agency reported.

"I hope I will discuss this role through the talks that will beheld with Syrian officials," Miliband said in a statement to reporters upon arrival in Damascus.

He expressed happiness over visiting Syria, underlining the importance of his recent meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem in London, and the necessity of dialogue among all parties, the report said.

On the situation in the occupied Palestinian lands, the top British diplomat said "The situation is fragile and requires all sides to assume their responsibilities to enhance stability," adding that "This issue will be discussed within talks that will be held during my current visit."

Miliband arrived yesterday evening after his trips to Israel and the Palestinian territories. This is the first high-level visit by British officials since the 2005 murder in Beirut of Lebanon's former premier Rafiq Hariri in which Damascus has denied charges of involvement.