Syrian president Bashar al-Assad said the high turnout in presidential elections drives home a strong message to the West and the countries involved in the war against Syria.

Syrian president Bashar al-Assad said the high turnout in presidential elections drives home a strong message to the West and the countries involved in the war against Syria, SANA reported.

The Syrian citizens, who turned out in big numbers to have their say, have sent a strong message that the Syrian people are lively, forward-looking, and determined to manage their own affairs and decide their destiny, said President al-Assad.

President al-Assad's remarks came during his meeting on Thursday with Chairman of the Iranian Shura Council's Foreign Policy and National Security Committee Alaeddin Boroujerdi.

Boroujerdi is in Syria at the top of an Iranian parliamentary delegation who came, among other delegations from friendly countries, to observe the electoral process upon the invitation of the People's Assembly.

President al-Assad hailed the achievements of the Syrian people, applauding Iran's successes on many levels, especially as pertaining to its nuclear program.

Moreover, President al-Assad expressed satisfaction over "positive changes" in many regional countries that serve to "make us more assured and confident about the future of the regions' nations."