President Bashar Al-Assad held bilateral talks with Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi who arrived in Damascus on Wednesday as part of a two-day visit to Syria.

President Al-Assad underlined, during the discussion with the Iranian President, that relations between the two countries are "rich in content and experiences," as he further highlighted the stability of Iranian-Syrian relations in the face of stressful periods which culminated in "political and security" issues taking the Middle East by storm.

The Syrian President also emphasized that this overview of bilaterlaism is based on fixed underpinnings which follow from shared values: and most importantly the the common interests of nations, their sovereignty, and independence."

"The bilateral ties [between Iran and Syria] are built on loyalty. When an unjust 8-year-long-war was waged against Iran in 1980, Syria didnt hesitate to stand in solidarity with Iran despite appeals and threats,"  he added.

Simillarly when war was waged against Syria, 12 years ago, Iran didnt hesitate in standing in solidarity with Syria, despite appeals and threats, Al-Assad noted.

"Iran didnt hesitate to offer full support: not only political and economic but also they sacrificed blood. And Blood is the most valuable thing a human can offer  another," Al-Assad added.

The Syrian president considered that for these reasons, the Iranian president's visit to Syria today is of utmost importance. The importance of this visit, he noted, arises from the profound bilateral relations between the two countries.  "This profoundness is traced back to the past and is headed forwards confidently towards the future. "

The Syrian president also expressed his hopes that the visit would be fruitful anf fitting of the aspirations of the two nations. 

In turn, President Raisi underscored how "Syria's government and people have overcome great difficulties," stressing that Syria was able to surpass these obstacles despite "the threats and sanctions imposed against it."

Iran's ambassador to Syria, Hossein Akbari highlighted in a tweet how the Iranian president's visit to Syria underscores the victory achieved by the resistance, adding that Iran "stood at the right place in history and won together."

#Iranian President Ebrahim #Raisi had a warm welcome as he arrived in Damascus to meet with Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad. Raisi is the first Iranian President to visit #Syria since 2011. pic.twitter.com/41MDCGiq6g

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) May 3, 2023

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Raisi greeted in Syria

This marks the first official visit by an Iranian head of state to Syria since the failed attempt to topple the Syrian Arab Republic in 2011 ensued. 

President Raisi was greeted upon arrival at Damascus International Airport by Syrian Minister of Economy and Foreign Trade Samer Al-Khalil. An official ceremony was later held for the Iranian President who was welcomed by President Al-Assad.

Later the President was greeted upon arrival by crowds who held and waived the Syrian and Iranian flags, welcoming him with great hospitality.

استقبال شعبي للرئيس الدكتور ابراهيم رئيسي لدى وصوله إلى #دمشق pic.twitter.com/StvslPlrMf

— 🇮🇷 الخارجية الإيرانية (@IRIMFA_AR) May 3, 2023

Before leaving Tehran, the Iranian President revealed that the trip is "completely strategic" as the two countries look to further strengthen their bilateral relations in the face of enemies who "did their best to divide Syria and damage Damascus' ties with regional states."

"Today, it is clear to everyone in the region that the Islamic Republic of Iran is a strong pillar that everyone can trust...Iran plays a major and effective role in regional developments."

The Iranian President underlined the need for Tehran and Damascus to expand their strategic ties, as the Iranian delegation looks to discuss pathways to strengthen political relations and expand economic deals between the two countries.

The Iranian President is also set to attend a joint meeting between Iranian and Syrian businessmen as well as complete scheduled visits to religious sites in the Syrian Arab Republic.

Reclaiming Syrian territorial integrity

Raisi highlighted the necessity of ensuring that the Syrian government gains full rights to "sovereignty and territorial integrity over the entirety of its land."

"Resistance factions, the steadfast people of Syria, President Bashar Al-Assad, and the Syrian government have proven their resilience against the attacks of ISIS and US-made terror groups."

Raisi also slammed US involvement in aiding terror groups in Syria and the US administration's decision to assassinate General Qassem Soleimani, "The self-proclaimed fighters against terrorism martyred the hero of the anti-terror battle, General Qassem Soleimani. They should be held accountable before world public opinion.”

Read more: Exclusive interview with Raisi: Iran ready to join BRICS.