Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger stressed on Wednesday that Syria plays a pivotal role in achieving peace in the Middle East, calling on "all sides to assume responsibility towards the safety and the stability of the region."

In a statement to SANA correspondent in Vienna ahead of a tour in the Middle East, Spindelegger expressed his conviction of Syria's regional role in realizing stability in the region.

He also expressed Austria's readiness to play a constructive role in reviving peace process in the Middle East and support it, since Austria enjoys credibility and high trust at peoples of the region throughout scores of years, saying that the Middle East is important for Europe to reach peace and security.

The Austrian Minister indicated to his country's desire for deepening bilateral relations between Syria and Austria, describing them as dynamic.