A top Iranian diplomat says the Islamic Republic and Syria are determined to stand up against the atrocities of the criminal gang ruling in Tel Aviv, and prevent the escalation of tensions across the West Asia region.
Ali Asghar Khaji, the Iranian foreign minister's senior adviser for special political affairs, made the remarks on Monday evening as he held talks with Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Ayman Raad at the 22nd international Astana meeting on Syria held in the Kazakh capital city of Astana.
Iran and Russia, as the allies of the Syrian government, as well as Turkey, which sides with the opposition, set up the Astana peace process in January 2017 intending to put an end to the Syrian conflict through the involvement of the Syrian government and the opposition.
During the Monday meeting, the Iranian and Syrian diplomats discussed the latest developments in the region and Syria, particularly in light of the ongoing Israeli acts of aggression and vicious attacks.
Khaji reiterated Iran’s unwavering support for Syria and the Axis of Resistance to confront the occupation and warmongering policies of the Zionist regime.
He also reaffirmed the Islamic Republic’s principled policy of safeguarding peace and stability in the region, and respecting the national security of regional countries.
Turning to the long-established and cordial relations between Iran and Syria, Khaji underlined that both Muslim nations are keen to further expand cooperation in order to confront the criminal gang ruling over the occupied lands, and stop the spillover of conflicts across the entire region.
He voiced support for possible rapprochement and restoration of Ankara-Damascus diplomatic ties, stressing that normalization of mutual relations between the two neighboring countries would yield positive results for West Asia.
For his part, Raad emphasized that Syria and Iran will continue to promote their strategic relations in line with the determination and will of the leaders of the two countries.
He also called for regional cooperation in order to stop the Zionist regime’s atrocities, restore stability and security in West Asia, and help Palestinian and Lebanese nations.