Minister of State for External Affairs M.J. Akbar, who is on his first trip abroad after assuming the post last month, on Saturday met with Syrian President Bashar Al Assad."During his official visit to Syria, MoS @mjakbar called on President Bashar Al Assad in Damascus today," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted on Saturday.Akbar is on the second leg of his August 17-23 three-nation West Asia tour after having visited Lebanon during which he met with Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam and Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil."And earlier in Lebanon, MoS @mjakbar called on President of Council of Ministers Tammam Salam and FM Gebran Bassil," Swarup said in a separate tweet.Akbar's visit comes seven months after the visit of Syrian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem to India during which he sought India's economic and political support.After Syria, Akbar will also visit the other war-ridden country of Iraq.