Iran, Syria sign new deal for defense cooperation

Iran and Syria have signed an agreement on defense and technical cooperation during a visit by Iranian Defense Minister Amir Hatami who reiterated Tehran’s commitment to the Arab country’s security. 

The document “will define the areas of bilateral presence, participation, and cooperation” in defense ties, said Hatami who signed the document with his Syrian counterpart General Ali Abdullah Ayyoub in Damascus Sunday.

Hatami said Syria has put the era of war behind it and has entered the era of reconstruction, stressing that Tehran hoped to have a productive role in rebuilding the country.

Ayyoub said through cooperation with Iran, “we will realize our national interests, and not allow any party or country to cause damage to the strong and firm relations of the two countries.”

“It was thanks to the Islamic Republic’s support and cooperation that great victories were achieved against terrorist groups and their patrons,” he said.

The Iranian defense chief arrived in Syria for a two-day visit on Sunday at the head of a delegation comprising senior military officials and parliamentarians.

Hatami met Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, praising the steadfastness of the Syrian people and government forces in their battle against terrorism, expressing confidence that they would achieve ultimate victory down the path.

The Syrian president said Tehran and Damascus had to outline plans to improve long-term cooperation in order to enhance the robustness of their nations in the face of the enemies.

At Damascus’ request, Tehran has been providing military advisory support to the Syrian military fighting foreign-backed terrorism and militancy since 2011. The Islamic Republic says it will maintain the role as long as it is required by the Syrian government.