Iran, Syria enhance relations

Iran and Syria sign 17 memoranda of understanding to reinforce mutual cooperation amid Western efforts to isolate the Islamic Republic over its civilian nuclear program.

The agreements were signed by Iranian and Syrian officials in Damascus on Friday in the presence of Iran’s First Vice-President, Mohammad Reza Rahimi and Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Naji al-Utri after the 12th joint commission of the two countries.

Based on the agreements, Tehran and Damascus will boost cooperation in the fields of trade, banking, transportation, telecommunications, information technology, health, culture, education, tourism and agriculture.

Iran and Syria seek to increase their trade volume to five billion dollars per annum.

Iran’s first vice-president Rahimi arrived in Damascus on Thursday on a two-day official visit.