Iran, Syria discuss implementation of joint projects

Iran and Syria have emphasized their determination to further bolster Tehran-Damascus cooperation in various domains, particularly in the economic and trade spheres.

On Thursday, Rostam Qasemi, who chairs the Iranian-Syrian Economic Relations Development Committee, met with Syrian Prime Minister Wael al-Halqi in the Syrian capital, Damascus, to discuss the implementation of joint projects in different economic, trade, energy and health sectors, Syria’s SANA news agency reported.

During the talks, Halqi said Qasemi’s recent consultations with senior Syrian officials would contribute to efforts made to broaden Tehran-Damascus relations.

The Iranian official, in turn, reaffirmed the Islamic Republic’s support for Syria, saying that the Arab nation will definitely emerge victorious in its battle against the Takfiri militants operating in the country since March 2011.

Iran will not hesitate to provide commercial and economic support to the Syrian government and people, Qasemi added.

On January 5, Qasemi also sat down for talks with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus over the promotion of strategic relations between Iran and Syria.

Syria has been grappling with a deadly conflict for nearly four years. The violence fueled by Takfiri groups has severely damaged the country’s infrastructure.

The foreign-backed crisis in Syria has so far claimed the lives of 200,000 people and displaced millions of others, according to reports.