During the reception of Mohammad Reza Aref, the First Vice President of Iran, Syrian Vice President Abdel Halim Khaddam criticized the United States’ policy of bullying in the world and emphasized the legitimacy of people’s resistance to occupation. He also rejected American threats against Iran. Mohammad Khatami, the Iranian First Vice President, was present at the reception. Mohammad Reza Aref, in turn, emphasized the importance of ongoing coordination with Syria and reaffirmed Iran’s stance on American threats, emphasizing their stability.