Mikdad discusses deeply rooted relations with his Iranian counterpart

Damascus, SANA- Dr. Fayssal Mikdad, Foreign and Expatriates Minister, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Hussein Amir Abdollahian, have discussed ways to develop and advance bilateral cooperation in all fields, in addition to the latest developments in the region and issues of common interest.

The two sides hailed the coordination and regular consultation between the two countries, underscoring the importance of continuing to confront Western schemes targeting Syria and Iran and to discuss ways to deal with developments in the region, especially in light of the current circumstances.

Minister Mikdad pointed to the congruence of Syrian-Iranian views on the developments in the region, stressing the need to strengthen economic cooperation between Syria and Iran to overcome the effects of unilateral coercive measures imposed on the two countries by the United States of America and its Western allies, which represent the worst types of terrorism.

He stressed, in this context, the importance of activating cooperation within the bilateral framework, and between the regional, international and multilateral organizations to expose and confront these inhumane measures.

Minister Mikdad expressed Syria’s support for the Iranian position on the nuclear file, holding the United States responsible for not signing the agreement so far.

In turn, Minister Abdollahian stressed that the Syrian-Iranian relations are strategic, expressing Iran’s keenness to strengthen and expand these relations, especially in the economic field, to make them up to the aspirations of the two peoples and leaderships, by laying solid foundations for long-term economic relations.

He renewed his country’s support for Syria and its people to overcome the negative impacts of the unilateral coercive measures imposed on it by the United States and Western countries.

The Iranian minister reviewed the latest developments related to the negotiations in Vienna on the Iranian nuclear file and the obstacles placed by the United States to prevent the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

During a press conference with Abdollahian at the conclusion of their talks, Mikdad said: “The visit comes within the framework of continuous consultations between the two countries, where Minister Abdollahian held in-depth discussions with President Bashar al-Assad on all issues related to the two brotherly countries, the strong bilateral relations and conditions for improving the general situation in the region.”

“There are common aspirations for cooperation between the two countries in many fields, including economic cooperation. We express our appreciation for the support provided by Iran to Syria in these difficult circumstances,” Mikdad said.

He added “We especially appreciate that the relations between the two countries are close relations based on affection, mutual respect and the desire to deepen these relations because they do not only serve the two countries, but they serve the region and the world.”

“We have a common struggle against terrorism, and we condemn all attempts made by some Western states to spread terrorism in the region,” he said, adding that Iran, as well as Syria, is open to cooperation with its brothers and friends in every country of the region and it is necessary to improve and develop relations between neighboring countries, and this comes as a priority in order to achieve security, stability and a sense of reassurance for all these countries.

According to Mikdad, the two countries have a unified position towards the Israeli attacks on Syrian territory, including the aggression that put Damascus International Airport out of service and the aggression on Saturday morning against southern Tartous, and towards the threats launched by the Israeli entity backed by the United States and the West against Iran.

He affirmed that Syria and Iran are in agreement on the need not to allow terrorism to continue killing the peoples of the region with the full support of Western countries.

In response to a question about the Turkish regime’s policies and threats of a new aggression targeting Syria Mikdad said: “Minister Abdollahian said that there are Iranian efforts to solve the problem…Syrian-Iranian relations extend for four decades and are based on mutual trust and on the basis that Tehran supports Syria’s positions, especially in its war on terrorism, and in preserving the territorial integrity of Syria and in supporting Syria economically and in all other fields, and this is the trust upon which relations are built, and we welcome any role.”

“We believe that any solution that leads to the withdrawal of the Turkish occupation forces from the Syrian territories, the cessation of any Turkish attacks on Syria, the withdrawal of Turkish support for terrorist groups, and the preservation of Syrian unity is positive and must be adhered to by the other side, and we have confidence in Iran and not in others,” Mikdad said.

He affirmed that the position of Syria and Iran is firm in supporting the Palestinian people until they achieve their legitimate rights, foremost of which is the establishment of their independent state.

For his part, Abdollahian said: “I am very happy with this visit to brotherly and friendly Syria. I discussed with President Bashar al-Assad the bilateral relations between the two countries and regional and international issues, where he stressed the need to establish peace and security in the region… I thank President al-Assad and the great Syrian people for standing up to the conspiracy targeting their country, where they did not allow any harm to Syria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence, and they sacrificed the most precious for that.”

“I also discussed with Minister Mikdad and Chairman of the National Security Bureau Maj. Gen. Ali Mamlouk means of strengthening strategic relations between the two countries and issues of common interest and ways of long-term and permanent cooperation between the two countries, especially in the economic and trade fields. As we discussed the different dimensions and aspects of bilateral cooperation, we also agreed on solutions regarding potential obstacles in the course of cooperation between the two countries. There is no doubt that the relations between Tehran and Damascus are strategic,” Abdollahian added.

He reiterated Iran’s continued support for Syria in the face of the terrorist war it is facing, its support for the territorial integrity of Syria, and its condemnation of the Israeli attacks on it.

Abdollahian affirmed Iran’s rejection of any foreign interference in Syria’s internal affairs, because this interference is incorrect and complicates the situation.

English Bulletin