Iran reiterates support for Syrian peace process

During the meeting, Zarif expressed satisfaction with the continuation of the political process in Syria and reiterated Iran’s support for the Astana process.

The Astana process is an initiative by Iran, Russia, and Turkey which mediate peace negotiations between representatives from the Syrian government and opposition groups in several rounds of talks held in Kazakhstan’s capital Nur-Sultan, which was formerly called Astana, and other places since January 2017.

Expounding on the situation and the recent developments in the region, Zarif stressed the need for vigilance and consultations among Iran, Syria and other countries, IFP wrote.

Hailing the broad and strategic relations between Iran and Syria, the two ministers reaffirmed commitment to enhancing and strengthening bilateral ties and weighed plans for promotion of bilateral and multilateral economic relations.

Mekdad expressed gratitude to the Islamic Republic of Iran for the constant support for Syria in the fight against terrorism and extremism.

He further denounced the United States’ “anomalous activities” in the region that have escalated the tensions, saying they reveal that Israel’s interests have priority over the US’ interests in the region.

Mekdad underlined the Syrian government’s determination to keep fighting against terrorism, saying mutual cooperation between Damascus and Tehran is significant in this approach and is considered as a basic step in restoration of peace and calm to Syria.

Mekdad arrived in the Iranian capital on Monday on his first foreign trip in his capacity as Syria’s top diplomat. He assumed the position last month after his predecessor Walid al-Muallem died.

He will be meeting with Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, the Islamic Republic’s top security body, on Tuesday, according to Press TV.

Iran was the first country to rush to Syria’s help after the latter found itself in the grip of a ferocious foreign-backed militancy and terrorism in 2011.

The Iranian support has included military advisory assistance that helped Damascus defeat foreign-backed terrorist group of Daesh in 2017 following three years of uphill counterterrorism operations.

Also on Monday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh addressed the issue of Mekdad’s visit in a tweet that read, “Political solution is the only option that will result in resolution of the current crisis.”

“Iran stands by the Syrian people and government on the course of fighting terrorism,” he added.

Tehran has vowed to sustain its backing for Syria’s efforts to protect its sovereignty in the face of regional and extra-regional efforts to destabilize the country and use it as a launch pad for further destabilizing regional activity.