Iranian, Syrian FMs stress need to continue talks on terrorism

Top Iranian and Syrian diplomats say Iran, Russia and Syria must proceed with trilateral consultations and cooperation on the campaign against terrorism and extremism.

According to Press TV, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal al-Mekdad held talks in Tehran on Monday about mutual relations and the latest political and military developments related to the crisis in Syria as well as a three-way meeting recently held in the Russian capital city of Moscow.

Zarif stressed the importance of more consultations among Tehran, Damascus and Moscow and said the three sides should also improve cooperation at the international level.

Mekdad, for his part, commended Iran’s principled stance on regional issues, particularly the crisis in his country.

He said Iran stands at the forefront of the fight against terrorism and extremism, adding that friendly countries to Syria must further exchange views about ways to find a political solution to the Syrian crisis.

In another development, in a meeting with Mekdad in Tehran, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei's senior advisor on international affairs warned that enemies seek to partition Iraq and Syria but such a dream would never come true.

“If these two countries are divided into small countries, they (enemies) will be able to overcome regional states easier and the current spirited resistance will not exist anymore,” Ali Akbar Velayati said.

He added that enemies’ plot to break up Syria and Iraq also aims to provide security for the Israeli regime, but this goal would never be achieved.

For his part, the Syrian diplomat said his country is determined to continue with its fight against terrorists through reliance on Iran’s support.

Mekdad added that there is an agreement between popular forces of Syria and Iraq on the battle against terrorists.

The Syrian official said Saudi Arabia has waged a mad war with the purpose of preventing the resistance front from achieving the final victory.

Iranian Parliament speaker also met with the Syrian official on Monday. Ali Larijani said Tehran and Damascus must improve economic and regional cooperation and added that the Islamic Republic would undoubtedly continue its support for Syria.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran’s policy is to fight terrorism and establish security in the region,” Larijani said in a meeting with Mekdad on Monday.

He added that some regional countries and global powers are responsible for the ongoing crisis in Syria, saying, “The US and its regional allies have created numerous problems in the region.”

The top Iranian parliamentarian urged Muslim countries to reinforce their unity to counter issues facing the Muslim world.

The Syrian deputy foreign minister, for his part, said countries in the Muslim world and across the region must make comprehensive efforts and boost their unity to counter terrorist groups.

SS