Syria has asked for help from India to rebuild its shattered economy and expressed desire and willingness to enhance cooperation in defence sector as well. <br/><br/>President Bashar-al-Assad praised India's objective stand regarding Syrian unrest at a meeting with Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar in Damascus. Mr Akbar is on a week-long visit to Lebanon, Syria and Iraq.<br/><br/>News Agency UNI quoting sources reports the two leaders concurred that terrorism is a global challenge. <br/>Mr Assad noted that India had played a key role as an emerging global power in tackling the challenge of terrorism. <br/> <br/>Mr Akbar said the era of reconstruction of Syria amidst all the destruction should be chalked out. Mr Assad invited India to play a major and active role in Syrian economic reconstruction.