DAMASCUS, (SANA)- President Bashar al-Assad on Sunday stressed the important role of the Syrian craftsmen in supporting the national economy, during his meeting with the members of the Executive Office of the General Union of Syrian Craftsmen.

The President highlighted the importance of coordination between the Craftsmen Union and the state institutions to arrange the priorities and propose suitable realistic solutions to solve the problems facing craftsmen.

During the meeting, the Office's members presented their vision of restructuring the Union, with focus being placed on the significance of the Union's participation in the state's decisions pertaining to craftsmen.

President al-Assad called upon the members to contribute to upgrading the Union's performance and increase communication with the craftsmen and listen to their concerns.

He also called on them to focus on training and qualification and suggesting ideas about means of preserving and developing the national industries.

H. Said