TEHRAN – Iran and Syria signed six cooperation agreements as Syrian Prime Minister Hussein Arnous held key talks with top Iranian officials here.
Arnous and Iranian First Vice President Muhammad Mokhber chaired the 15th meeting of the two allies’ joint economic commission after a long hiatus and the signing of a deal on free trade and memoranda of understanding for tourism, media, sports, museums and libraries cooperation.
The two sides also agreed to launch shipping routes and promote transportation.
Hailing the “strategic, close and cordial” relations between Tehran and Damascus, Mokhber expressed Iran’s determination to broaden economic cooperation with Syria.
“The Iranian government and nation pay special regard for Syria and give priority to the calm, independence, success and welfare of the Syrian people,” he said.
He also pointed to the frustration of the enemies with the Syrian people’s resistance, hoping for a complete withdrawal of foreign forces from Syria and the region.
For his part, Arnous lauded his country’s deep-rooted, historical and strategic ties with Iran, saying the Syrian nation will never forget the Iranian government and people’s supports.
He also underlined the significant role that Iran can play in the reconstruction of Syria, saying Damascus considers Iran as a major partner in rebuilding the war-torn country.
Mokhber touched on the Israeli military onslaught on the Gaza Strip, saying the international community is watching unprecedented happenings in the history of mankind.
“The crimes being perpetrated in Gaza against the Palestinian women and children amount to crimes against humanity, genocide and war crimes,” Mokhber said, criticizing international institutions for their failure to act and stop them.
“The burning rage of the United States and the Zionist regime stems from the fact that their grandeur was shattered after Operation Al-Aqsa Storm. They were deluded about their might, and had projected their illusions on the global stage.”
Mokhber said Washington and the Zionist regime failed miserably to attain any of their goals in Gaza thanks to the Axis of Resistance which is strong and powerful, and has rendered enemies unable to confront it.
“Just like Daesh terrorist group, which could not achieve its goals in Syria due to the heroic resistance of the country’s government and nation, the Zionist regime will not be able to dominate the region because of the strong

steadfastness of the people of Gaza,” he said.
Mokhber expressed hope that enemies as well as their military forces and proxies would pull out of West Asia completely.
For his part, Arnous said the Syrian government and nation will never forget Iran’s unconditional support and honorable positions vis-à-vis Syria.
“Iran and Syria have always come under pressure from the global arrogance, the United States and certain Western states because they have been safeguarding their independence. Western countries have been putting pressure on Syria as it is one of the main pillars of the Axis of Resistance,” he said.
“Nonetheless I give you assurances that Syria will not alter its stance and will continue to tread the path of resistance,” he added.
Arnous described the scale of the Zionist regime’s aggression against Palestinians as “bizarre and out of the ordinary.”
“It is odd that such atrocities are taking place just before the world’s eyes. It is as if some parties were willing to wipe Gaza off the world map. We hope the Axis of Resistance will foil all these conspiracies.”