Strengthening bilateral economic co-operation and the West Asia peace process will dominate the agenda when President Pratibha Devisingh Patil interacts with her Syrian counterpart Bashar Al Assad in Damascus this afternoon.In the first Presidential visit from India to Syria, Patil will also discuss regional and global issues of interest for both the countries. The President arrived in Damascus on Friday on a four-day State Visit. AIR correspondent covering the visit reports Syria is looking forward to India for its mediation on the issue of Golan Heights with Israel. Local sources say now that Syria is heading East, India is the most important power which could be its development partner. Patil is being given a ceremonial reception at the forecourts of Presidential in Damascus. This will be followed by delegation-level talks. A huge business delegation is accompanying Patil to explore opportunities for investment in that country. Patil arrived in Damascus from UAE and was warmly received by Syria’s Senior Minister for Presidential Affairs Mansoor Azam.