Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad received today a message from Sudanese President Omar Hassan Al-Bashir on the latest developments in the Sudanese arena, especially the issue of a referendum on self-determination for southern Sudan. The message was conveyed to the Syrian President by President Bashir's advisor Dr. Ibrahim Ahmed Omar during a meeting with him in Damascus earlier today. During the meeting, President Assad reiterated his support for the security and stability of Sudan and the need to be aware of the exact circumstance that he is undergoing in the face of the challenges ahead.