DAMASCUS (Dispatches) -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has praised Iran as a “key partner”, stressing that the two nations will continue combating terrorism until the ultimate defeat of terrorist organizations.
“Iran is a key partner for Syria and has stood by the Syrian people in the face of the terrorist war and provided them with support in all fields,” Assad told Iranian Parliament speaker Muhammad-Baqer Qalibaf.
Assad said coordination between the two countries in combating terrorism has brought about positive results on the ground and will continue until the liberation of all lands and the defeat of terrorist organizations.
Qalibaf said the recent elections in Syria and Iran and the will of the Syrian and Iranian people in determining their future prove the failure of pressures being exerted against them, adding no one can stand in the way of the two nations’ will.
During their meeting, the Syrian leader and Iran’s top parliamentarian also discussed close, bilateral relations between the two countries and their constructive cooperation at various levels.
They stressed the essential role played by the Iranian and Syrian parliaments to open new horizons for bilateral ties, particularly in the economic field by activating cooperation between the private sector of both countries in a way that would help the two friendly nations confront the economic war and the policy of blockade and sanctions imposed on them.
Heading a parliamentary delegation, Qalibaf arrived at the Syrian capital on Tuesday for an official visit for high-level talks on various issues, including economic cooperation between Tehran and Damascus.
Speaking to reporters upon arrival in Damascus, Qalibaf said a comprehensive joint cooperation agreement was being devised by Iran and Syria and that it would be approved by their respective legislative bodies in due course.
On Thursday, Syria’s Foreign Minister Faisal al-Mekdad said his

country’s relations with Iran have reached such a status that can “serve as a model” for other countries “in all areas.”
The top diplomat made the remarks during a meeting here with Vahid Jalalzadeh, chairman of the Iranian parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee.
Mekdad hailed support provided by the Iranian people, leadership, and lawmakers for Syria’s resistance and efforts to invigorate itself in the face of the terrorist war that it has been facing for years, calling it “a source of pride for the government in Damascus.”
“The Syrian people are certain about Iran’s strength to put all the problems and the imposed economic sanctions behind,” he said. “The Syrian nation also defends Tehran’s positions and policies concerning the nuclear issue.”
Jalalzadeh said ties between Iran and Syria are based on cooperation, coordination, and mutual support in all areas.