TEHRAN The new Iranian Ambassador to Syria Hossein Sheikholeslam here Saturday met with President Mohammad Khatami prior to his departure to Damascus. In the meeting, President Khatami underlined the importance to promote Tehran-Damascus relations. According to IRNA, he advised the newly-appointed Iranian ambassador to do his best to further expand the two countries' bilateral ties. Sheikholeslam for many years served as deputy foreign minister for Arab-African affairs.