Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh arrived in the Syrian capital of Damascus on Saturday with a security delegation for talks with senior Syrian officials, including his counterpart, Ali Mahmoud Abbas, Al Mayadeen's correspondent reported. 

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 came at the invitation of the Syrian Minister of Defense for meetings with political and military officials to discuss several shared issues between the two countries, particularly in the areas of defense and security, with the aim of 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.

"Based on the request of the leader of the Islamic Revolution, Sayyed Ali Khamenei, we are ready to extend all means of support to the friendly state." 

Iran extends utmost support to Syria

This comes after Syrian President Bashar al-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.