Syria interior minister in Iran for anti-terror talks

Syrian Interior Minister Major General Muhammad Ibrahim al-Sha’ar has arrived in Tehran to hold talks with senior Iranian officials on best ways of fighting terrorism.

Sha’ar, who arrived in Tehran on Sunday for a two-day visit, said terrorism is the common enemy of Iran and Syria.

The battle against all types of terrorism requires firm determination of the two countries’ officials, he added.

Iranian officials have repeatedly reaffirmed the Islamic Republic’s policy to stand by the Syrian people in their fight against terrorism, saying the Arab country’s security is of utmost importance to Iran and all other countries in the Middle East region.

The ISIL terrorist group, with members from several Western countries, controls parts of Syria, conducting heinous crimes against different ethnic and religious communities in the Arab country.

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 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.

Noting that Tehran and Damascus enjoy cordial relations, the Syrian minister stressed the importance of further strengthening of the two countries’ ties in all arenas.

Sha’ar is set to hold talks with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, Secretary of Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani, and police chief, Brigadier General Hossein Ashtari.