1.   Discussions were held with the government of Iran in May on the strengthening of bilateral ties.

2.   The official news agency, Xinhua, said that the visit signalled a new phase of bilateral ties following certain setbacks over the past two years.

3.   As Iran and Iraq were further sources, Japan sought to maintain strong bilateral ties with both countries.

4.   The continued presence in Damascus of organisations which Washington says are engaged in terrorism was also expected to be discussed as an obstacle to better bilateral ties.

5.   At the end of his three-day official visit, Chretien praised his U.S. hosts and the strength of bilateral ties.

6.   But many analysts say the meeting offers potential for bilateral ties unimaginable just a few years ago.

7.   However, President Vladimir Putin of Russia and President Bush just as quickly asserted that the mass expulsions would not seriously harm bilateral ties.

8.   In a meeting with journalists in Beijing, Brown said he preferred trade itself as a way to improve bilateral ties.

9.   Still, analysts feel a Putin presidency would be a good development for bilateral ties.

10.   The dispute is not expected to disrupt improving bilateral ties.