Zarif Meets Assad: It’s Time for Regional Players to Fight Terrorism

Friday, 14 August 2015

Zarif Meets Assad: It’s Time for Regional Players to Fight Terrorism

Local Editor

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad received Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif who stressed that it’s time for countries in the region to get involved in fighting terrorism.

In their meeting in Damascus on Wednesday, Zarif stressed that the Syrians’ will must be the compass of any ideas for resolving the crisis away from any foreign interference and in a way that preserves the Syrian territorial integrity and its independent decision.

Assad and Zarif

He also stressed Iran’s determination to support the steadfastness of Syrian people and ease their suffering due to the fierce war waged against them, SANA news agency reported.

“Both sides affirmed that all countries inside and outside the region have to realize that they are not safe from a metastasizing terror threat, urging them to exert genuine and serious efforts to combat this threat through coordinating efforts and adopting policies based on truths and severing their support for terrorist groups,” the Syrian agency said.

The top Iranian diplomat called on regional countries to fight terrorism and extremism.

“I say to the other (regional) players and to our neighbors that now is the time to care about the truth, answer the aspirations of the Syrian people and work to fight terrorism, extremism, and sectarianism," Zarif said, according to AFP.

For his part, President Assad expressed his "appreciation for Iran’s strong support for Syria.
He welcomed "the sincere efforts made by Iran and friendly countries to stop the war against Syria and to preserve the sovereignty and integrity of its territory".

The Syrian leader also relayed his congratulations to the Iranian people over the nuclear deal between Iran and the P5+1 group, pointing out that Iran reached this historic achievement thanks to the steadfastness of the Iranian people and their support for their leadership, SANA reported.

The meeting was attended by Syrian FM Walid al-Mouallem, Presidential Political and Media advisor Bouthania Sha’aban, Deputy FM, Fayysal Mikdad, FM advisor Ahmed Arnous and Fayza Iskandar, Director of MFA’s Asia Department from the Syrian side, while Iranian Deputy FM, Hussein Amir Adbulahayan, and Iranian Ambassador to Syria Mohamed Raouf Shibani from the Iranian side.