Syria visit: Iranian FM reaffirms Tehran's willingness to expand ties with Damascus

Iran’s foreign minister has reaffirmed the country’s determination to expand relations with Syria under a long-term cooperation deal signed between the two countries in May.

Hossein Amir-Abdollahian made the remarks in a meeting with Syrian Prime Minister Hussein Arnous in the Syrian capital Damascus on Wednesday.  

According to a statement by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Amir-Abdollahian said the document can serve as a roadmap for closer cooperation in various fields, particularly energy.  

Describing Syria as a “brotherly” country, Amir-Abdollahian said Iran has been a friend of the Arab country in its hard times, adding that Tehran is determined to continue supporting Syria in the face of Western sanctions.

Arnous, for his part, appreciated Iran for supporting his country in various fields, and described bilateral ties as “deep-rooted.”

The Syrian official expressed satisfaction about the course of the implementation of previous agreements signed between the two countries, including the construction of power plants by Iranian firms in Syria. 

Arnous also hailed Iran’s accession to the BRICS group of emerging economies, saying it attests to Iran’s economic strength and diplomatic clout.

Amir-Abdollahian also said his trip was aimed at advancing Iran’s policy of good neighborliness in the region, underlining Iran’s focus on the establishment of stability and peace in Syria.

MG