Larijani:

Iran, Syria on Same Strategic Path

Rasa - Iran’s Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani reiterated Iran’s firm support for Syria’s government and nation, saying that the two countries are on the same strategic path.

News ID: 426658

Date: 19 January 2017 - 18:51

RNA - Speaking in a meeting with Syrian Prime Minister Imad Khamis in Tehran on Wednesday, Larijani extended congratulations to Syrian government and people over the recent victories in Aleppo.

He underscored the Islamic Republic’s strong support for the Arab country, adding that the two countries move “on one strategic path”.

Larijani further referred to the Syria peace talks planned to be held in the Kazakh capital of Astana later this month, saying Tehran is not opposed to the talks but preserving the interests of the Syrian nation and the Arab country’s territorial integrity should be the top priority in the Astana meeting.

Khamis, for his part, described the recent liberation of Aleppo from terrorists as a victory for both the Syrian and Iranian nations and thanked Tehran for its backing.

He also said Damascus attaches importance to cooperation with Tehran and always seeks to expand the bilateral ties.

Syria has been gripped by civil war since March 2011 with various terrorist groups, including Daesh (ISIL), currently controlling parts of it.

Diplomatic efforts to end fighting in Syria have gained momentum in recent weeks with the announcement of a ceasefire in the Arab country earlier this month.

It will be followed by a new round of peace talks between the Syrian government and foreign-sponsored opposition groups in Astana on January 23.

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