Iran welcomes efforts to normalize relations between Syria and some Arab countries

According to the Vietnam News Agency correspondent in the Middle East, Foreign Minister Abdollahian made the above comments during a visit to Damascus, during which he met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, met his Syrian counterpart Faisal Mekdad and the head of the Security Service. Syrian National Ali Mamlouk. Iran has provided financial and military support to the Assad regime during the country’s 11-year conflict. Iran says it has deployed forces in Syria at the request of Damascus and only as advisers.

Mr. Abdollahian emphasized: “We welcome that some Arab countries are trying to normalize relations with the Syrian Arab Republic by adopting a new approach. We are very happy about that.” Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad said Abdollahian’s visit was “a good opportunity to review developments in the region and the bilateral relationship”.

Abdollahian’s visit to Damascus follows President Assad’s visit to the UAE last week, the Syrian leader’s first visit to an Arab country since the start of the Syrian war. Assad’s visit, which has drawn criticism from the United States, has highlighted the warming relationship between Syria and the UAE.

The UAE’s official news agency WAM reported that President Assad and the de facto leader of the UAE, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, discussed the “brotherly relationship” between the two countries. The two leaders also focused on discussing efforts to contribute to “consolidating security, stability and peace in the Arab region and the Middle East”.