Blair and Assad prepare for bruising encounter over divisions on Iraq

Tony Blair will face a bruising clash today with Syria's President Bashar al-Assad, who has warned that war in Iraq could have a devastating effect on the entire Middle East.

At Downing Street talks, Mr Blair will reject President Assad's calls for the military build-up to be abandoned and dismiss his prediction that the action could fuel terrorism across the Islamic world. He will call instead for President Assad to clamp down on militant organisations which Syria is suspected of harbouring.

However, British diplomats still hope that Syria could become a channel for stepping up pressure on Iraq.

On the eve of today's talks, it emerged that six Royal Navy vessels, including the aircraft carrier Ark Royal, are due to visit the Gulf early next year. Some 2,600 military personnel will be on board. The Ministry of Defence said the mission was part of a routine exercise, which would end in the Asia-Pacific region. But it could easily be diverted to take part in any action against Iraq.

Mr Assad claimed last week that war with Iraq would create "fertile soil for terrorism" across the Middle East. "The consequences are not going to be contained within Iraq," he said. "The entire region will enter into the unknown."

The President also put himself at odds with Britain by defending Palestinian suicide bombings as "a reaction to the terrorism practised by [Ariel] Sharon against the civilian Palestinian people". At a press conference in Damascus last year, Mr Blair received a public dressing-down from the Syrian leader over Israel and strikes on Afghanistan. British officials insisted yesterday that Mr Blair would not temper his message to avoid a further clash. A Downing Street spokeswoman said: "We have never pretended we see eye to eye on every issue. It is important to have an honest and open dialogue – that is better than no dialogue at all."

During his visit, President Assad will meet the Queen and Prince Charles, and have talks with Geoff Hoon, the Secretary of State for Defence.