Iranian, Syrian FMs Hold Talks in Tehran

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and his Syrian counterpart Faisal Mekdad discussed a broad range of issues in a meeting in Tehran on Monday.
Mekdad arrived in the Iranian capital on Sunday on his first foreign trip in this capacity. He assumed the position last month after his predecessor Walid al-Muallem passed away.
The two diplomats discussed bilateral, regional and international issues, as well as the joint battle against terrorism, the Iranian ministry reported. 
Zarif congratulated Mekdad on his new post, expressing readiness for cooperation with the new Syrian foreign minister.
He also expressed satisfaction with the political process underway in Syria and reaffirmed Iran’s support for the Astana peace process.
Mekdad expressed gratitude to Iran over its constant support for Syria in the fight against terrorism and extremism.
He pointed to the United States’ anomalous activities in the region, which have escalated tensions, saying they reveal that the Zionist regime’s interests have priority over US interests in the region.
“The Syrian government is determined to continue its fight against terrorism. Mutual cooperation between Damascus and Tehran is significant in this regard and is a basic step toward restoration of peace and calm to Syria,” he said.
Mekdad was set to hold talks with President Hassan Rouhani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani and other top-level officials later during his two-day stay.