Head of the Syrian regime has discussed with the Iranian Foreign Minister boosting coordination after Washington’s decision to classify the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a terrorist organization.
This came during a meeting on Tuesday between Bashar al-Assad and Mohammed Javad Zarif in Damascus, from which the Iranian FM will next travel to Turkey.
Assad stressed Syria’s denouncement of the “irresponsible US action against the IRGC,” saying it is part of “erroneous US policies that constitute a main factor in regional instability,” according to Syria’s official news agency, SANA.
Zarif, for his part, condemned the US administration’s decision regarding the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, noting that it doesn’t differ from those on Jerusalem and the IRGC.
These decisions indicate the failure of Washington's policies in the region and the weakness of the US administration, Zarif said.
The FM reiterated that developments necessitate coordination between Syria and Iran at all levels to enhance regional security and stability and serve both countries’ interests, according to SANA.
Tuesday’s bilateral talks focused on developments in the region, the next round of Astana talks on Syria and agreements signed between the two sides.
Assad and Zarif also discussed joint projects, stages of their implementation and the difficulties encountering the process.
Zarif had earlier met with his Syrian counterpart Walid al-Muallem during which they discussed enhancing strategic relations between the two countries, according to a briefed statement by the Syrian foreign ministry’s official website.
Over the years of conflict, Iranian officials have repeatedly visited Syria, the last of which was a visit by Chief of Staff of the Iranian armed forces Maj. Gen. Mohammad Bagheri in March.
Syrian officials have also visited Tehran, most notably Assad, who made in February his first visit to the Iranian capital since 2010.
In August 2018, the two counties signed a military cooperation agreement, which stipulates that Tehran provide Syria with the support to rebuild its army and defense industries.
They also signed a “long-term” economic cooperation agreement covering several sectors, most notably oil, electric power, agriculture and banking.
Tehran opened in 2011 a $5.5 billion worth line of credit, most of which were allocated for supplying Syria with oil derivatives.
