Al-Mikdad discusses with Zarif, Ghalibaf and Velayati, means of enhancing bilateral relations

Tehran, (ST) – The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Faysal Al-Mikdad, discussed with his Iranian counterpart, Muhammad Javad Zarif, means to enhance and deepen the strategic relations between the two countries and aspects of bilateral cooperation at this stage in addition to the developments of the situation in Syria, Iran and the region.

During the meeting, Minister Al-Miqdad condemned the Turkish regime’s interference in the internal affairs of a group of countries and its continued support for terrorist groups in and outside Syria, in a way that destabilizes the security and stability of the region and the world. He said that, Iran, the government and the people, stood by Syria in facing the terrorist war, stressing that victory in this war is a victory for Syria, Iran and other friendly countries.

Mikdad offered his condolences over the martyrdom of scientist, Mohsen Fakhryzadeh, saying that his loss does not represent a loss to Iran only, but to Syria, the world and humanity as a whole. He considered that this terrorist crime is a crime against humanity that comes in the context of a plot targeting both countries.

Minister Zarif affirmed Iran’s permanent readiness to deepen relations between the two countries in all fields and welcomed the holding of the international conference on the return of refugees in Damascus, indicating to the importance of continuing joint work to reach a political solution to the crisis in Syria.

The two ministers also stressed the necessity of pursuing efforts to confront extremism and terrorism, and coordination and cooperation among the countries of the region in facing campaigns targeting their stability and future.

Al-Mikdad also met the Speaker of the Iranian Islamic Shura Council, Muhammad Baqer Qalibaf.  He discussed the latest developments on the Syrian, regional and international arenas, affirming that cooperation between the two countries would foil all plots aimed at dividing the region in the service of the US-Zionist project.

He referred to the role of parliaments in facing unilateral coercive measures imposed on the two countries.  Qalibaf affirmed that his country will continue to develop relations with Syria in various fields, particularly parliamentary ones, in a manner that meets the aspirations of the peoples of both countries.

The two sides stressed the importance of parliamentary cooperation, coordination and continuous consultation in a way that enhances the position of the two countries in international forums, and stressed the need to strengthen relations in all fields, especially in the economic, commercial and educational fields.

Al-Mikdad also met Dr. Ali Akbar Velayati, advisor to the supreme leader of the Iranian Islamic Revolution for international affairs, and discussed with him means to strengthen and develop bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries in addition to the developments in the situation in Syria.

He conveyed the greetings and wishes of President Bashar Al-Assad to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Sayyed Ali Khamenei, expressing the appreciation of the Syrian leadership and the Syrian people for the support that Iran provides to Syria in various fields. In turn, Velayati conveyed to Mikdad the greetings of Mr. Khamenei to President Al-Assad.

Al-Miqdad indicated that the Syrian-Iranian cooperation effectively contributes to the steadfastness of Syria in the battle it is waging against takfiri terrorism and the well-known powers, states and parties that support it seeking to destroy Syria in the service of “Israel’s” interests and in implementation of its hostile goals.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Faysal Al-Mikdad stressed that, the victory achieved in Syria against terrorism and its supporters is a joint victory for Syria, Iran, Russia and their allies, stressing the importance of reaching a political settlement to the crisis in Syria that preserves its unity and sovereignty over its entire territory without any external interference.

Velayati affirmed that the Islamic Republic of Iran will continue to stand by Syria and the Syrian people at all levels and develop relations in various fields. He stressed the centrality of the Syrian government‘s role in any political negotiations related to the future of Syria and restoring security and stability to it.

Raghda Sawas