Minister Al-Miqdad discusses with Abdullahian ways to develop and advance bilateral cooperation

Dr. Faisal Al-Miqdad, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, and Hussein Amir Abdullahian, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, discussed on Saturday 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 praised the coordination and regular consultation between the two countries, stressing the importance of continuing to confront Western plans targeting Syria and Iran and to discuss ways to deal with developments in the region, especially in light of the current circumstances.

Minister Al-Miqdad pointed to the congruence of Syrian-Iranian views on 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 underlined the importance of activating cooperation in the bilateral framework, regional, international and multilateral organizations to expose and confront these inhumane measures.

Minister Al-Miqdad expressed Syria’s support for the Iranian position on the nuclear file, blaming the United States for not signing the agreement so far.

In turn, Minister Abdullahian stressed that the Syrian-Iranian relations are strategic, pointing to Iran’s keenness to strengthen and expand these relations, especially in the economic field, to make them meet the aspirations of the two countries’ people and leaderships, by laying solid foundations for long-term economic relations. He voiced Iran’s support to Syria to overcome the repercussions of the unilateral coercive measures imposed on it by the United States and Western countries.

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

The meeting was attended from the Syrian side by Dr. Bashar Al-Jaafari, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Dr. Abdullah Hallaq, Director of the Executive Support Department, Khaled Sharaf, Director of the Asia and Africa Department, Ammar Al-Arsan and Adib Al-Ashkar from the Minister’s office

On the Iranian side, Ambassador Mehdi Sobhani, Shura Council member Karimi Qudoussi, and the delegation accompanying the minister attended the meeting.

During a press conference with Abdullahian at the conclusion of their talks, Al-Miqdad said: The visit comes within the framework of continuous consultation between the two countries, where Minister Abdullahian held 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.

Al-Miqdad added: 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.

Al-Miqdad continued: Our common struggle is against terrorism, and we condemn all attempts by some Western countries to spread terrorism in the region, including influencing the Iranian position and expanding the circle of the terrorist war that we faced in Syria to other regions of the region. He noted that Iran, as well as Syria, is open to cooperation with its brothers and its friends in all countries of the region, underlining the necessity of  improving and developing relations between neighboring countries. This comes as a priority in order to achieve security, stability and a sense of reassurance for all these countries.

Al-Miqdad indicated that 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 Tartus and towards the threats launched by the Israeli entity backed by the United States and the West against Iran. Syria decides when it responds to these attacks and the way it responds as the  International law and the Charter of the United Nations guarantee this right to it, as well as its right to liberate the occupied Syrian Golan.

Al-Miqdad stressed that Syria and Iran agreed on the need not to allow terrorism to continue killing the peoples of the region with the full support of Western countries. He asserted that Iran is participating in the Astana process, according to which a meeting was held two weeks ago, which comes as part of international efforts to restore security and stability to the whole of Syria.

In response to a question about the policies of the Turkish regime and the threats of a new aggression targeting Syria, Al-Miqdad said: Minister Abdullahian stated that there are Iranian efforts to solve the problem. The Syrian-Iranian relations have been deeply rooted since 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. This is the trust upon which relations are built, and we welcome any role.

Al-Miqdad added: 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, which must be adhered to by the other side, and we have confidence in Iran and not in others.

Al-Miqdad pointed out that the position of Syria and Iran is firm in supporting the Palestinian people until they obtain their legitimate rights, foremost of which is the establishment of their independent state.

For his part, Abdullahian 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. I stressed the need to establish peace, security and tranquility in the region. I thank President Al-Assad and the Syrian people for confronting 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.

Abdullahian added: I also discussed with Minister Al-Miqdad and Head of the National Security Office, Major General Ali Mamlouk, the strengthening of strategic relations between the two countries, issues of common interest and ways of long-term and permanent cooperation between the two countries, especially in the economic and trade fields.

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

Abdullahian affirmed Iran’s rejection of any foreign interference in Syria’s internal affairs, because this interference is incorrect and complicates the situation. He considered that any military operation in Syria destabilizes security in the region. He reiterated that the Islamic Republic of Iran will exert its efforts to focus on solutions through diplomatic means and dialogue.

Inas Abdulkareem