Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Friday discussed with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin Syria's cooperation with the UN probe into the killing of former Lebanese prime minister Rafik al-Hariri, the official SANA news agency reported.

The two leaders exchanged views when Assad received a phone call in the evening from Putin, whose country is currently holding the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council this month, during which they also discussed the political situation in the region, SANA said.

They also reviewed bilateral relations between the two friendly countries and stressed the necessity to continue consultations and coordination between them in various fields and on all levels, it added.

Meanwhile, Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara received a phone call from his Russian counterpart Sergi Lavrov, who expressed appreciation over Syria's cooperation with the international investigating commission, SANA said.

Earlier in the day, Deputy Foreign Minister Walid Muallem announced that Damascus agreed to let UN probe question its five officials in Vienna over Hariri's murder.

The compromise was reached after Syria received "reassurances" that its sovereignty will be respected and the right of the individuals guaranteed, said Muallem.

The commission led by German prosecutor Detlev Mehlis issued an interim report last month that implicated Syrian and Lebanese security officials in the killing of Hariri in a massive truck bombing in Beirut on Feb. 14.

The UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1636 on Oct. 31 demanding Syria's full cooperation with the UN investigation or face "further action".

Syria has consistently denied any involvement, but pledged cooperation in the case.

Source: Xinhua