Iran, Syria on united front against terrorism

The Syrian interior minister has hailed Iran’s support for his country in the face of terror threats, saying both the Islamic Republic and Syria are on a united front against terrorism in the Middle East.

In a Tuesday meeting with Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior adviser to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, in Tehran, Major General Muhammad Ibrahim al-Sha’ar sad Iran and Syria were among the first parties that warned against the danger of terrorism.

Iran has always stood by Syria, and both nations have formed a united front against terrorism in the region, added the Syrian minister.

All terrorist groups are pursuing a united goal and seek to destroy Syria and the nation’s assets, said Sha’ar, adding that the Takfiris have targeted the Arab country’s civilization and history.

Syria has been struggling with a deadly crisis since March 2011. The violence fueled by Takfiri groups has so far claimed the lives of over 230,000 people, according to reports.

The United Nations (UN) says more than 3.8 million Syrians have left their country since the beginning of the conflict. Over 7.2 million Syrians have also become internally displaced.

Sha’ar, the Syrian interior minister, further pointed to his earlier talks with Iran’s Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli on Monday, saying the two sides signed a security agreement, which mainly focuses on their anti-terror campaign.

Velayati, for his part, said Tehran and Damascus enjoy deep-rooted, cordial relations.

The Syrian interior minister arrived in Tehran at the head of a delegation for a two-day visit on Sunday to hold talks with senior Iranian officials on the ways to fight terrorism.