Top Iran, Syria Officials Call for Enhancing Ties

Syrian Prime Minister Imad Khamis and President Hassan Rouhani met in Tehran on Tuesday and stressed the need to enhance Tehran-Damascus cooperation in all sectors, including trade. 
Khamis said relations between the two countries need to be expanded to more diverse sectors and called on Iranian firms to participate in the restoration of the war-torn country. 
"Iran will definitely take first priority for us in Syria's restoration process and we invite [Iranian] companies and private sector [to participate] in Syrian projects," Khamis was quoted as saying by President.ir. 
Rouhani urged relevant authorities to speed up the implementation of agreements between the two countries. 
"Iran is determined to broaden and strengthen multifaceted Tehran-Damascus collaborations," he said. 
The Syrian premier also said the Arab nation will always be thankful to Iran for its support in fighting terrorist groups, saying "resistance and efforts to eradicate terrorism in the region will continue".
"The presence of Americans in Syria was a clear example of occupation and we believe all nations and governments must stand against their illegitimate presence in the region," he added. 
The Iranian president also said Iran will continue to stand by the Syrian nation and government against "arrogant powers" just as it did against terrorism.
"Iran, Syria and other countries' cooperation will continue until eventual victory, eradication of terrorists, expulsion of foreign occupying forces from Syria and repatriation of displaced Syrians to their homes," he said. 
Rouhani also hoped that the efforts of the constitutional committee, a key component of an internationally-backed peace process, in Syria will result in what is desirable for its nation.