Iran, Syria consider defense ties as strategic

Syria's Defense Minister Lieutenant General Hassan Ali Turkmani and Iranian counterpart General Mostafa Mohammad-Najjar today in Iran held talks on defense and military ties, assessing them as strategic and a model of regional cooperation.

Palestine, Iraq, campaign against terrorism and US presence in the region were high on the agenda of the meeting and the two ministers underlined the sovereignty right of the Palestinian people, the need to strengthen Iraq's government and territorial integrity.

Mohammad-Najjar stressed Iran's multifaceted support for Syria under the present sensitive conditions and said, "Syria's security is considered as part of the security and national interests of Iran. We find ourselves bound to defend it.

"Deeply rooted bilateral relations are in line with promotion of regional peace, stability and security." For his part, General Turkmani appreciated Iran's approach to and support for his country and said that for his part he carried the message of his country's solidarity and support for Iran. Stressing Syria's support for peaceful use of nuclear energy by Iran, he said that the only way to solve Iran's nuclear crisis is to recognize its rights officially.