Iran always favors dialog over conflict, welcomes détente between Syria, regional states: FM

The Islamic Republic of Iran opposes any war and urges the resolution of disputes between countries through dialog, says Iran’s foreign minister, welcoming a détente in relations between Syria and other regional countries.

Speaking at a meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Wednesday, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said Iran is satisfied with the fact that some regional countries are trying to normalize their relations with Syria.

He was making a reference to President Assad’s recent visit to the United Arab Emirates, which marked the latest sign of warming ties between the two countries after the UAE reopened its embassy in Damascus in 2018 and sent its foreign minister to visit Syria in late 2021.

“In regional tensions, the Islamic Republic of Iran opposes any war and calls for the resolution of disputes through dialog and peaceful political means,” Amir-Abdollahian said.

“In this regard, Iran calls for the resolution of the Yemeni crisis through intra-Yemeni talks and believes that a change in the behavior of some regional countries can help reach a solution for Yemen,” he added.

The top Iranian diplomat made similar remarks about the Russia-Ukraine war. He said “we oppose war and are against sanctions. The solution in Ukraine is political.”

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Amir-Abdollahian also congratulated President Assad on his country’s achievements in political and military spheres and reassured him of Iran’s continued support for the Syrian government and people.

“In the field of economic and trade cooperation between the two countries, a new chapter of relations has begun,” he said. “The development of economic cooperation between Iran and Syria is seriously on the agenda … and [our] attention is devoted to the facilitation of transportation and transit between the two countries.”

During the meeting, the two sides also discussed efforts to pursue the implementation of bilateral agreements, particularly in economic and commercial fields, despite the illegitimate unilateral measures imposed by the West on both countries.

President Assad affirmed the right path that Iran has taken with regard to adhering to its principles and rights.

He said reaching an agreement on the Iranian nuclear issue in Vienna has become more important today to serve the interests of Iran, the region, and the global balance, Syria’s official news agency SANA reported.

Iran FM hails ‘strategic relations’

Upon arriving at Damascus International Airport at the head of a high-ranking delegation earlier in the day, Amir-Abdollahian told reporters that the two countries’ “strategic relations” are at their best.

“Iran and Syria are in the same stronghold, and Iran supports the Syrian leadership, government, and people,” he said.

Amir-Abdollahian was welcomed at the airport by his Syrian counterpart, Faisal Mikdad. This is his third trip to Syria since assuming the post in mid-2021.

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Iran has supported Syria since the beginning of the Syrian crisis in 2011, providing the Arab country with advisory assistance in its fight against foreign-backed militants.

“I am glad that the relations between Tehran and Damascus are at their best,” Amir-Abdollahian said, noting that “the issue of economic and trade cooperation is a priority” in the relations between the two countries.

“[Discussing] what is in the interest of the people of the two countries is on our agenda,” the chief Iranian diplomat added.

Tehran has expressed readiness to be a major party in Syria’s reconstruction in the aftermath of the conflict, as both countries look forward to a new era of economic relations.

In January, Iran’s minister of roads and urban development, Rostam Qassemi, met President Assad in Damascus, where the two sides exchanged views on ways to optimize bilateral economic and trade ties.

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‘Syria backs Iran’s smart approach in nuclear issue’

For his part, Mikdad reaffirmed Syria’s support for Iran in its “smart and creative” approach to the country’s nuclear program.

He was making a reference to high-profile talks in Vienna to revive the 2015 Iran deal, which is expected to be discussed by the two sides during Amir-Abdollahian’s visit.

“This visit is another opportunity for us, as has been the case over the past years, to consult on matters that concern our two countries and the latest developments in the region,” he said.

He also said the two sides will discuss the latest developments following the Russian military operation in Ukraine and the reason behind it, as well as “our common stances toward these developments.”

Both Tehran and Damascus have blamed the United States and its European allies for the Russia-Ukraine military conflict.

“Our discussions will be fruitful and will come up with what serves the interests of our two countries and the region, since we, in the two countries, are keen on having the best relations, as well as providing the best atmosphere for relations between the countries of the region, including Iran and the Arab countries,” Mikdad added.

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