Iran and Syria emphasized yesterday the importance of protecting the independence and territorial integrity of Iraq, as well as peace and stability in the region. This came during a meeting between Mohammad Reza Aref, the First Deputy President of Iran, and his Syrian counterpart Abdul-Halim Khaddam in Tehran, during which the two sides described the relations between the two countries as “strong” in all fields. The Iranian news agency quoted Aref as saying that Iran and Syria agree on their views regarding bilateral relations and international issues, noting in this regard that periodic visits by officials of both countries for consultation will help bring their views closer together. Aref pointed out that among the important issues topping Khaddam’s talks with senior Iranian officials are Iraq, Palestine, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest. Aref reiterated Iran’s firm belief in the necessity of protecting Iraq’s independence and territorial integrity and establishing a democratic government in the country, explaining that it is natural for neighboring countries of Iraq to play an important role in establishing stability and peace in the country. Regarding the Palestinian issue, he reiterated that the Israeli regime has shown non-compliance with any ceasefire, indicating that Iran and Syria will also discuss this issue during the visit of the Syrian Vice President.
Khaddam affirmed that the world is currently witnessing the suffering of Muslims in Palestine and Iraq, which underscores the importance of consultation between Tehran and Damascus on this issue. Regarding Iraq, Khaddam emphasized that the occupation is the main problem under which the Iraqi people suffer, reaffirming that the Syrian people always support the Iraqi people.
At the same time, the Syrian Vice President stressed the necessity of continuing consultations and exchanging views, expressing his hope for “the return of security and stability to Iraq.” The Syrian Vice President arrived in the Iranian capital yesterday leading a high-level delegation to discuss issues of mutual interest with the Iranian side. Both Syria and Iran are listed on the axis of evil countries designated by the United States, which poses American threats regarding what the latter alleges about Syria facilitating the passage of resistance operations against US forces in Iraq through the common borders between the two countries.
Additionally, the US administration accuses Iran of developing its nuclear program to produce nuclear weapons and accuses both countries of supporting Hezbollah, which the United States considers a terrorist organization.