The deputy foreign minister said the achievements gained in the battle against terrorism can be sustained through implementing political initiatives.
Hossein Amir Abdollahian made the remarks on Friday in a meeting with Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad, who is in Tehran for consultations on the latest developments in the crisis-hit Arab country, ISNA reported.
The foreign ministry official called Moscow's recent initiative to host a meeting between various Syrian groups a step in line with a plan introduced by Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif which calls for seeking a political solution to the issue, adding, "The idea of national reconciliation, welcomed by the Syrian president, is a realistic proposal to secure a solution to the crisis."
Amir Abdollahian said Iran attaches great importance to the Syrian issue and hailed the resistance of the Syrian nation during the four-year conflict gripping their country, adding, "Syria has become a symbol of resistance against terrorism and extremism in the Muslim world and among Arabs."
"The United States and the West have come to the conclusion that the adoption of a realistic view is essential to address the crisis in Syria through finding a political solution."
The diplomat described the decision by the Syrian government to name year 2015 the year of weathering the crisis and expelling terrorists as an effective approach.
Referring to the US decision to train and arm the so-called moderate opposition groups in Syria, he stressed that it is necessary for the United Nations to take measures to prevent the measure which is meant to undermine political solutions and strengthen terrorism.
***Syria's True Friend
The Syrian deputy foreign minister, for his part, called Iran-Syria ties beyond a strategic relationship and praised the Iranian nation and government for their support for the country in dealing with an imposed crisis.
He added, "The nation and government in Syria express gratitude to Iran for their sound understanding of the Syrian developments since the outset of the crisis."
He emphasized, "We are following the path toward victory, the victories which are owed to the support of Syria's true friends, such as the Islamic Republic of Iran."
Mekdad stated, "The Syrian crisis was a foreign plot from its early stages. (The foreigners) tried to arm opposition groups to kill the people and then pretend that the Syrian government and army are guilty of the massacre of civilians."
The Syrian official said the Moscow meeting was held for unofficial consultations, adding, "Holding such a meeting was considered a success for Russia and Syria, which took part in the meeting on the Syrian president's decision."
"Damascus stresses that such negotiations should be held with participation of representatives of all Syrian groups."
In another development, Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met with the Syrian official in Tehran on late Wednesday, IRNA reported.
The two officials exchanged views on the efforts to establish a Middle East free from weapons of mass destruction and the cooperation between the two countries at international organizations, including the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.
They also underlined the need for constant diplomatic consultations and contacts between the two countries' representatives to international organizations in New York, The Hague and Geneva to ensure coordination in the adoption of policies.
