Larijani Visits Allied States to Reinforce Ties

Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani reiterated Iran’s policy to support war-stricken Syria and said the close cooperation between the two countries is deep-rooted and not “a tactical matter”.
Speaking at a meeting with Speaker of the People’s Council of Syria Hammouda Youssef Sabbagh in Damascus on Sunday, Larijani said the Islamic Republic and the Arab country have “friendly and brotherly” ties, Tasnim News Agency reported. 
“Rest assured that we are determined to support you. With the full knowledge of Syria and the region, we have supported and will continue to support you and we do not consider cooperation with you a tactical matter,” he said.
The Iranian speaker also pointed to efforts to rebuild the Arab country and said Iranian and Syrian businessmen can work together to improve the situation.
Sabbagh welcomed Larijani and his accompanying delegation and said the meeting is indicative of the “historic” and “solid” relationship between the two countries. 
In an earlier meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Larijani affirmed Iran’s continued support for Syria in its efforts to eliminate terrorism in all its territories, stressing the importance of the recent victories of Syrian Army against the terrorists.
He expressed confidence in the ability of the Syrian people and military to complete the liberation of all their lands and restore Syria’s position in the region.
Assad highlighted the successes of the Syrian military and said, “The Syrian people are determined to liberate all Syrian territories.”
He also said terrorists in northwestern Syria were using residents as “human shields” to stop Syrian troops from advancing into the territory.
After his one-day trip to Syria, the top Iranian lawmaker arrived in Lebanon on Sunday night at the head of a parliamentary delegation for a two-day stay in the Arab country to hold talks with senior officials, including President Michel Aoun and Prime Minister Hassan Diab, on issues of mutual interest.
Speaking to reporters upon arrival, Larijani described Lebanon as an influential country in the region and said Iran always wants to see the country free and independent.
Hani Qabisi, a senior Lebanese parliamentarian, and Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon Mohammad Jalal Firouznia were among officials attending the ceremony to welcome Larijani in Lebanon.