LONDON, July 24 (Xinhua) -- British Foreign Secretary David Miliband on Friday met visiting Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem here on bilateral ties.

    Miliband told a news conference that there is vitally important relations between Britain and Syria, adding that "The really excellent discussions that we've had today I think are testimony to the growing depth and breadth to the relationship."

    "We've reviewed bilateral relations which I think are deepening on the economic and cultural front as well as on the political and diplomatic front," Miliband said.

    Both sides also discussed regional and bilateral developments, focusing on progress towards a comprehensive peace agreement in the Middle East.

    Britain and Syria have strong interests in a stable, prosperous and peaceful Middle East, Miliband said.