TEHRAN -- President Ebrahim Raisi says Iran supports the establishment of peace and lasting stability in Syria, and strongly opposes any foreign intervention in the domestic affairs of the war-battered Arab country.
Raeisi made the remarks in a telephone conversation with his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad on Saturday evening, on the eve of the Eid al-Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice) which marks the culmination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
The Iranian president extended his felicitations to Assad and Syrians on the occasion, expressing hope that thanks to the blessing of Eid al-Adha, all Muslims around the world, especially resilient Iranian and Syrian nations, would be able to achieve divine bliss and mercy.
Raisi also underscored the need for the implementation of agreements struck between the two countries during the Syrian president’s visit to Tehran in early May.
He emphasized the Islamic Republic of Iran’s unwavering support for the Axis of Resistance, especially Syria, adding that Tehran “backs the establishment of peace and stability in Syria and is opposed to any foreign intervention.”
For his part, Assad congratulated the Iranian nation, government and the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei on the occasion of Eid al-Adha.
He stated that the enemies of the Axis of Resistance are getting weaker day by day.
“Iran and Syria are fighting in a single front; and I hope we will celebrate next year’s Eid while Syrian and Iranian nations witness growing national and international successes,” Assad said.
Meanwhile, Raisi said Tehran and Islamabad have good capacities to promote bilateral cooperation in various areas, especially in the fields of energy and agriculture.
The Iranian president said there is no obstacle to the expansion of bilateral relations, stating that regular meetings of the joint commission for economic cooperation between the two neighboring Muslim countries can help improve the level of mutual ties.
Raisi said Iran is the best friend of neighboring countries in different situations.
Sharif, in return, congratulated the Iranian government, nation and Ayatollah Khamenei on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, and praised the Islamic Republic’s assistance to extinguish wildfires in the forests and pastures of country’s southwestern Balochistan region last May.
He also lauded the hospitality extended to Pakistani nationals as they cross the border into Iran to visit the holy shrine of Imam Reza (AS), the eighth Shia Imam, in the northeastern Iranian city of Mashhad.
The Pakistani prime minister said relations between the two neighboring countries are rooted in religious and cultural commonalities.
Sharif said Pakistan is interested in expansion of transit of goods, and energy cooperation with Iran.
He finally wished for the establishment of peace and stability in Afghanistan, improvement of living conditions of Afghans, as well as preparatory measures for the return of Afghan refugees to their homeland.