Damascus, SANA- President Bashar al-Assad on Wednesday received Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and his accompanying delegation.
During the meeting, President al-Assad relayed his congratulations to the Iranian people over the nuclear deal between Iran and the P5+1 group, pointing out that Iran reached this historic achievement thanks to the steadfastness of the Iranian people and their support for their leadership.
The two sides exchanged views on the best means to find a peaceful solution to the crisis in Syria.
Zarif stressed that the Syrians’ will must be the compass of any ideas for resolving the crisis away from any foreign interference and in a way that preserves the Syrian territorial integrity and its independent decision.
He also stressed Iran’s determination to support the steadfastness of Syrian people and ease their suffering due to the fierce war waged against them.
President al-Assad thanked the Iranian government and people for their enduring support for Syria in the face of terrorism and the sincere efforts made by Iran and friendly countries to stop the war on Syria and preserve its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Both sides affirmed that all countries inside and outside the region have to realize that they are not safe from a metastasizing terror threat, urging them to exert genuine and serious efforts to combat this threat through coordinating efforts and adopting policies based on truths and severing their support for terrorist groups.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign and Expatriates Minister Walid al-Mouallem, Presidential Political and Media advisor Dr. Bouthania Sha’aban, Deputy FM, Dr. Fayysal Mikdad, FM advior Ahmed Arnous and Fayza Iskandar, Dirctor of MFA’s Asia Department from the Syrian side, while Hussein Amir Adbulahayan, Deputy FM, and Iranian Ambassador to Syria Mohamed Raouf Shibani from the Iranian side.
Following the meeting, Zarif said in a press statement that talks with President al-Assad were good and focused on solving the crisis in Syriaو adding that it is time for other players and our neighbors to care about the facts, bow to demands of the Syrian people and work for combating terrorism, extremism and sectarianism.
In the same context, Minister al-Moallem met Zarif and his accompanying delegation, discussing issues of mutual interest.
Manar al-Frieh/Manal/ Barry