BEIRUT: Head of the Lebanese Democratic Party MP Talal Arslan met Syrian President Bashar Assad Sunday in Damascus and discussed regional events.

According to the National News Agency, Assad and Arslan spoke about developments in Syria, Lebanon as well as in the region.

Arslan has encouraged dialogue between the government and opposition groups to safeguard the country from what he has repeatedly described as a conspiracy against Syria.

The Druze figure, an ally of Assad in Lebanon, also encouraged residents of the Druze-majority Jabal al-Arab to remain vigilant of the plot to eradicate “Syrian nationalism.”

Residents of Jabal al-Arab, southeast Syria, have kept their distance with regard to violent events since the uprising against Assad began in March of 2011.

Meanwhile, Lebanon’s other main Druze leader Walid Jumblatt has expressed support for the uprising against President Bashar Assad and has warned against a government conspiracy to drag Syria’s Druze into a conflict with rebels and members of other sects in a bid to reduce the opposition’s pressure on the government.

Prior to his departure to Syria, Arslan met with Marada Movement leader MP Suleiman Franjieh; an ally and a close friend of Assad.

The last meeting between the embattled Syrian president and Arslan was in late 2011.