"We have always called for an active European role in the Middle East, and we feel happy over the return of this role through the new dynamic of French policy," Assad added.

On the Iranian nuclear issue, Sarkozy called on Syria to play a role in solving Iran's nuclear dispute with the West.

"Syria can play a role in Iran's nuclear issue. Iran must not obtain nuclear weapons, ... but it has the right of peaceful use of the nuclear energy," Sarkozy said.

"There is a relationship of trust between Syria and Iran ... Itis my duty to explain to President Assad the danger of the current situation and we should take all initiatives to achieve peace," said Sarkozy.

Sarkozy added that France opposes that Iran has nuclear weapons, emphasizing that possession of these weapons poses a threat to the region and the world.

Assad said Iran's nuclear issue can only be solved through dialogue and peaceful means, warning against a catastrophe if Iran was attacked.

"It is clear that there is a lack of confidence between Iran and the parties involved in this issue," said Assad, adding that "the main point that concerns us is how Syria could play a role in building this confidence."

"Nobody in the world can bear the consequences of any non-peaceful solution because it would result in a disaster," warned Assad.

Sarkozy, the first western head of state to visit Syria in years, arrived here earlier for a two-day official visit.

During Sarkozy's stay, Assad would host a four-way summit on Thursday which also includes Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani.