Iran, Syria fundamental pillars of regional stability: Bagheri Kani
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The top Iranian diplomat stresses that his country has always supported and continues to support the territorial integrity of all countries in the region, including Syria.
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Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad, right, meets with Acting Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani in Damascus, Syria, Tuesday, June 4, 2024. (AP)
Acting Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani emphasized Tuesday that Iran and Syria believe the sustainability of security and stability in the region is contingent on the absence of foreign interference.
During a joint press conference with Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad in Damascus, Bagheri Kani affirmed that Iran and Syria are "friends, allies, and fundamental pillars of regional stability and security."
"Iran and Syria are proud to have cooperated for more than four decades and they know that the cause of instability in the region is the occupation and the Zionist regime," he said.
The top Iranian diplomat stressed that his country has always supported and continues to support the territorial integrity of all countries in the region, including Syria.
He mentioned that the purpose of his visit is to affirm that "Iran, as in the past, steadfastly stands with the Resistance and supports its efforts in combating occupation."
Bagheri Kani said that the strategy of exerting pressure on Iran and its people is not new, as it has been previously employed by the United States and other adversaries, noting that Iran's membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS enables it to play a vital role in fostering global multipolarity.
He highlighted that, despite such pressures, Tehran has managed to support the governments and people of Syria and Iraq in eradicating terrorism, as well as carrying out Operation True Promise against the Israeli occupation entity.
The Acting Iranian Foreign Minister added that his visit to the Syrian capital is intended to discuss efforts to put an end to the Israeli crimes in Gaza, especially in Rafah, as well as ways to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Strip.
On behalf of the Iranian government and people, Bagheri Kani also expressed appreciation to Syria for its solidarity with Iran following the martyrdom of President Ebrahim Raisi, Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and their companions.
Mekdad: Syrian-Iranian relations at their peak
On his part, Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad emphasized the importance of maintaining and deepening the strategic relationship between Iran and Syria.
Mekdad asserted that Syrian-Iranian relations are at their peak, dismissing circulating allegations otherwise as "mere illusions or wishful thinking of some sides."
Touching on the situation in Gaza, Mekdad affirmed that Syria has worked and continues to work with its partners to stop the Israeli massacres, achieve the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people, and continue supporting the Palestinian Resistance.
Regarding relations with neighboring Turkey, the Syrian Minister reiterated that the fundamental condition for any Syrian-Turkish dialogue is Ankara's readiness to withdraw from the Syrian territories it occupies, stressing that Syria does not negotiate with those who occupy its land.
"We want to see accurate pledges that reflect Turkey’s commitment to withdraw from the territories it occupies and stop its support for terrorist organizations," Mekdad indicated.
Before heading to Damascus, Bagheri Kani and his accompanying delegation met with Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, where they reviewed the latest political and security developments in the region, particularly on the Gazan and Lebanese fronts, and discussed proposed solutions and potential scenarios regarding the evolving situation.
Read more: 'Israel' seeking way out of Gaza, cannot harm Lebanon, Iran says
