US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs William Burns arrived in Damascus today. He is slated to hold talks with the Syrian leaders. Burns' trip came as the White House is in the process of resending an ambassador to Damascus. <br/><br/> President Barack Obama yesterday nominated Robert Ford as the U.S. ambassador to Syria, in a move which the White House said represents Obama's commitment to engaging with Syria and advancing U.S. interests by improving communication with the Syrian government and people. <br/><br/>Washington withdrew its last ambassador to Syria in 2005 after the assassination of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.<br/><br/>US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs William Burns today met Syrian president Bashar al-Assad. According To Syrian News Agency SANA, both leaders met in Damascus today and held a meeting. <br/><br/>The White House said the visit was intended to boost dialogue on all aspects of a relationship. The relations between US and Syria have been strained by US allegations of meddling in the affairs of Lebanon and Iraq and Syria's alliance with Iran.<br/><br/><br/>AIR correspondent reports that the visit of US official Burns is taking place following the announcement of first US ambassador to Damascus in five years in a bid to engage Syria. <br/><br/>The US withdrew its ambassador from Syria in 2005, following the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. Damascus was blamed for the killing but Syria denies the charges.<br/><br/><br/>The visit is also seen significant as it is taking place after the visit of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to Doha and Saudi Arab apart from US Army Chief’s visit to Egypt and Israel and, US deputy Treasury Secretary’s visit to UAE, Saudi Arab and Kuwait.<br/><br/> Analysts perceive this visit as part of wider US programme of engagement with various stakeholders in Middle East to build pressure on Iran over its nuclear programme.