Iran: Relations with Syria historic and remarkable

Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi has described relations between Syria and Iran as historical and remarkable. In a televised statement on Thursday in Tehran, the Iranian foreign minister said, "Syria is a very important country and it stands in the forefront in confrontation with Israel."

He added, "It is natural that we frequently discuss issues of concern to the two countries, especially conditions in the region and the cause of Palestine, a matter which is very important to be discussed with our friends in Syria because such matters for Syria and Iran are strategic and important." Kharazi added that during President Khatami's expected visit to Syria all such matters will be discussed. He added that President's Khatami's visit to Syria will mark the beginning of his Arab tour which will also cover Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

On Arab-Iranian relations, Kharazi said that Iranian policy is based on the principle of developing Iran's relations with its neighbors. On this ground, "We concentrate on finding out exchanged confidence, eliminating obstacles and collective participation to establish joint cooperation, especially in relation to the question of security in the Gulf region."

Kharazi added: "On this ground Saudi-Iranian relations have witnessed big strides forward in boosting bilateral relations."

The Iranian FM expressed satisfaction over the progress of relations between Iran and the Arab Gulf states, especially with Saudi Arabia. He expressed his hope that the visit of the Iranian President Muhammad Khatami to Saudi Arabia will help in strengthening and developing relations between the two countries.