During the meeting, Imam Khamenei recognized the Resistance to be Syria’s important feature and emphasized that Syria's special position in the region is because of this prominent character, which must be protected.
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution expressed his gratitude towards President Bashar al-Assad for visiting Tehran to offer his condolences to the Iranian nation on the passing of the of the late Iranian President, Martyr Ebrahim Raisi and his entourage. He highlighted the significant role that Mr. Raisi played in strengthening relations between Tehran and Damascus. Additionally, he pointed out the special attention that the late Iranian Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, devoted to strengthening these relations.
Imam Khamenei assessed the strengthening of relations between Iran and Syria as important in view of the fact that the two countries are the pillars of the Axis of Resistance. “The prominent character of Syria, which is the Resistance, was formed during the late Hafez al-Assad's era and with the founding of the ‘Resistance and Defiance Front’. This character has consistently contributed to the national unity of Syria,” he asserted.
While emphasizing the importance of preserving this identity, the Leader pointed out that, “The Western powers and those who follow them in the region intended to overthrow the political system of Syria to remove it from the equations of the region by waging a war against the country, but they did not succeed. At present, they are planning to take Syria out of the regional equations through other means, including promises that they will never fulfill.”
In commendation of Mr. Assad's unwavering steadfastness, Imam Khamenei emphasized the special asset of the Syrian government, which lies in its resistance. He urged everyone to recognize and observe this “special asset”.
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution also pointed to the political and economic pressures exerted by the US and Europe on Iran and Syria. “We must overcome these circumstances by increasing cooperation and ensuring it is well-organized,” he stated.
While underlining the late President Raisi’s readiness to expand cooperation between Iran and Syria in a range of areas, Imam Khamenei highlighted that, “Mr. Mokhber, now acting under the President’s authority, is pursuing the same approach, and we hope that everything will proceed in the best possible way.”
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution also criticized the positions and lack of action taken by certain regional countries regarding the issue of Gaza, as he pointed to the recent Arab League summit in Manama. He noted, “There were numerous shortcomings during this summit with regards to Palestine and Gaza, however, some countries did act commendably.”
Emphasizing that the Islamic Republic’s outlook on the future is positive and bright, Imam Khamenei said, “We hope that all of us can fulfill our duties and reach this promising future.”
During the meeting, President Bashar al-Assad of Syria, expressed his condolences to the Leader, government and people of Iran. "The relationship between Iran and Syria is a strategic one that is being guided under your leadership and Mr. Raisi and Mr. Amir-Abdollahian were at the forefront of implementing these guidelines," he stated as he addressed Imam Khamenei.
This item is being updated.
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