Syrian President Bashar al-Assad met with Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh on Sunday to discuss defense and security cooperation aimed at countering terrorism and promoting regional stability.

Nasirzadeh arrived in Damascus on Saturday at the invitation of his Syrian counterpart Ali Mahmoud Abbas, leading an Iranian delegation for a series of high-level meetings.

Upon arrival, the Iranian Defense Minister stressed the important position of the Syrian Arab Republic in Iran's foreign policy, noting that the visit to Damascus aimed at expanding cooperation and exchanging expertise between both sides.

"Syria has an extensive history and profound experience in combatting terrorism," Nasirzadeh said, adding that it was a key supporter of the Axis of Resistance in the region.

During the discussions, al-Assad emphasized that the fight against terrorism was a shared international and regional responsibility, warning that the threat affects all people worldwide. He underscored the need for strong regional alliances to secure peace and security across the Middle East.

Nasirzadeh affirmed that Iran and Syria's cooperation continues to deepen, with mutual assistance as a core component of their relationship.

Before meeting with al-Assad, Nasirzadeh held talks with his Syrian counterpart to explore ways to bolster bilateral defense ties.

He told reporters that the two countries stand united in facing regional challenges and are committed to enhancing their coordination on security matters.

Iran extends utmost support to Syria

This comes after Assad on Thursday received Ali Larijani, Senior Advisor to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution and the Islamic Republic of Iran, for discussions focused on recent regional developments, particularly the Israeli aggression on Palestine and Lebanon and the necessity of halting it, state media reported.

The discussions also covered bilateral relations between Syria and Iran, exploring ways to strengthen them in the mutual interest of both nations and the broader region.

According to SANA news agency, al-Assad underscored Syria’s commitment to the Palestinian people’s historic rights and affirmed support for the Lebanese and Palestinian peoples' struggle, emphasizing the urgent need to end the massacres and halt the crimes of genocide.

On his part, Larijani, also a member of Iran’s Expediency Discernment Council, reaffirmed Iran’s solidarity with Syria and its readiness to provide comprehensive support, praising Syria’s pivotal role in the region and expressing a desire to enhance this role for the benefit of regional states and their people.