Iran foreign minister underscores support for Syria, hails ‘strategic relations’

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has reaffirmed the Islamic Republic’s support for the Syrian government and people, saying the two countries’ “strategic relations” are at their best.

“Iran and Syria are in the same stronghold, and Iran supports the Syrian leadership, government, and people,” Amir-Abdollahian told reporters upon arrival at Damascus International Airport on Wednesday morning at the head of a high-ranking delegation.

Amir-Abdollahian was welcomed by his Syrian counterpart, Faisal Mikdad. He is scheduled to meet with top Syrian officials, including President Bashar al-Assad.

This is the Iranian foreign minister’s third trip to Syria since assuming the post in mid-2021.

Iran has supported Syria since the beginning of the Syrian crisis in 2011, providing the Arab country with advisory assistance in its fight against foreign-backed militants.

“I am glad that the relations between Tehran and Damascus are at their best,” Amir-Abdollahian said, noting that “the issue of economic and trade cooperation is a priority” in the relations between the two countries.

“[Discussing] what is in the interest of the people of the two countries is on our agenda,” the chief Iranian diplomat added.

Tehran has expressed readiness to be a major party in Syria’s reconstruction in the aftermath of the conflict, as both countries look forward to a new era of economic relations.

In January, Iran’s minister of roads and urban development, Rostam Qassemi, met President Assad in Damascus, where the two sides exchanged views on ways to optimize bilateral economic and trade ties.

‘Syria backs Iran’s smart approach in nuclear issue’

For his part, Mikdad reaffirmed Syria’s support for Iran in its “smart and creative” approach to the country’s nuclear program.

He was making a reference to high-profile talks in Vienna to revive the 2015 Iran deal, which is expected to be discussed by the two sides during Amir-Abdollahian’s visit.

“This visit is another opportunity for us, as has been the case over the past years, to consult on matters that concern our two countries and the latest developments in the region,” he said, according to Syria’s official news agency SANA.

He also said the two sides will discuss the latest developments following the Russian military operation in Ukraine and the reason behind it, as well as “our common stances toward these developments.”

Both Tehran and Damascus have blamed the United States and its European allies for the Russia-Ukraine military conflict.

“Our discussions will be fruitful and will come up with what serves the interests of our two countries and the region, since we, in the two countries, are keen on having the best relations, as well as providing the best atmosphere for relations between the countries of the region, including Iran and the Arab countries,” Mikdad added.

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