Damascus, Tehran seek to overcome impacts of western measures imposed on both countries

Foreign and Expatriates Minister, Fayssal Mikdad, discussed on Wednesday with his Iranian counterpart, Hussein Amir Abdollahian and an accompanying delegation, issues of mutual concern between Syria and Iran and means of enhancing economic ties to promote them up to the level of political relations

Talks during the meeting dealt with the latest developments in Syria and the region

In a press statement following the meeting, Mikdad described as “strategic” the relations between Syria and Iran, saying that the two countries seek to overcome impacts of the illegitimate western economic measures imposed on them

“We have discussed latest developments related to the bilateral relations that always go forwards, as economic exchange between the two countries has largely increased during the last period… talks also dealt with the illegitimate western economic measures

Mikdad said that the U.S. occupation continues looting the Syrian resources in al-Jazeera of oil and gas; the issue that increased the Syrians’ suffering resulted from terrorism, blockade and the economic sanctions

“The talks also touched upon the meetings of the Committee of discussing the constitution being currently held in Geneva,” Mikdad said, adding that Syria works to make these meetings a success but the other side, upon orders of its operators, doesn’t work in the benefit of the national interest

He stressed that Syria supports the principled stance of Iran that wants an agreement in service of its people’s interest during the talks currently held in Vienna on the Nuclear file

Mikdad went on to say that the friends in Russia defend their right to sovereignty, independence and to ensure their people’s security far from the presence of NATO along their borders , stressing that the western campaign against Russia will never realize the results for which the West aspires

For his part, Abdollahian said “ We held important talks with President al-Assad, Minister Mikdad , and Chairman of the National Bureau, dealing with the distinguished relations between the two counties, along with the international and regional developments”

 “We welcome development of relations between Syria and some Arab countries”, Abdollahian said ,underlining that “Iran is ready to develop its relation with Syria more than ever”

He concluded “we wish to see a meeting between presidents of the two countries”