New Delhi, Nov 16: Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee arrived here tonight after a ''very successful'' six-day visit to Russia, Tajikistan and Syria, giving a boost to strategic ties with the three countries. In a rare gesture, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, setting aside protocol, called on Vajpayee at his hotel in Damascus, minutes before his departure to New Delhi.

The two leaders were closeted for about 15 minutes.

Situation in Iraq, cooperation in various fields for mutual economic development and global fight against terror topped the agenda during the Prime Minister's week-long visit which, officials described as ''very successful''.

As many as 25 agreements were signed with all the three countries including eight each with Russia and Tajikistan and nine with Syria.
Besides, the Prime Minister also signed 'joint declarations' with Russia and Tajikistan pledging cooperation against global terror, stressing the urgent need for reform of the UN system and boosting cooperation for mutual economic development.

Significantly, the joint statement, issued at the end of three-day visit to Russia by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Vajpayee, asked Pakistan to dismantle all terrorist infrastructure from its territories, including occupied territories, an obvious reference to Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

Even as the situation in Iraq, fight against terrorism, Afghanistan and developing new areas for economic development topped the agenda of the Prime Minister's talks with senior leaders in these countries, peace in West Asia dominated the talks with Syrian leaders.
The Prime Minister also had a one-on-one with Russian President Vladimir Putin and ''restricted'' meetings with Tajikistan president Emomali Rakhmonov and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

The Russian President hosted a dinner for Vajpayee at his personal retreat, considered a rare gesture as very few world leaders have been invited there.

Bureau Report