Damascus, SANA – Prime Minister Wael al-Halaqi and Iranian Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli discussed on Monday prospects of cooperation in the fields of combating organized crime and terrorism.
The two sides discussed the possibility of signing new agreements to boost the two countries’ ability to combat terrorism and crime, particularly trafficking in humans, drugs, currency, and organs.
Al-Halaqi said that the strategic alliance between Syria and Iran foiled the plots seeking to destabilize the region, lauding Iran’s support for the Syrian people and leadership and asserting that the political solution in Syria will be made by the Syrians themselves without outside interference.
For his part, Rahmani Fazli praised the steadfastness of the Syrian people and state in the face of terrorism and the economic embargo, asserting that the Iranian government is keen on participating in the reconstruction stage in Syria.
On a relevant note, the Iranian Minister met Syrian counterpart Mohammad al-Shaar and discussed with him developing cooperation and coordination between the two countries, in addition to activating the memo of understanding on combating terrorism and organized crime, particularly drug and human trafficking and smuggling archeological artifacts.
The two ministers held a joint press conference in which they asserted that Syria and Iran stand as one in the face of terrorism, and that extremists who resort to violence aren’t real Muslims because Islam is a religious of compassion and peace.
Rahmani Fazli also met Speaker of the People’s Assembly Mohammad Jihad al-Laham, who asserted that Syrian-Iranian relations contribute to stability in the region and protect its people’s rights.
Al-Laham said that combating terrorism and extremism require joint regional and international efforts and honest well, and that it should be done in compliance with Security Council resolutions, adding that certain states that want to raise tension in the region by waging wars and supporting terrorism will fail in their attempts and will be held accountable.
Hazem Sabbagh