Syria Today | Damascus and Tehran boost military cooperation

Damascus and Tehran boost military cooperation

On May 26, Syrian Defence Minister General Hasan Turkmani and his Iranian counterpart Mostafa Mohammad Najjar signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen military cooperation between the two countries.

In a joint press conference, the two ministers emphasised the importance of strengthening Syrian-Iranian bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of defence and combatting terrorism.

“Iran and Syria share the same viewpoint regarding regional issues and efforts are being exerted to strengthen bilateral relations between them,” Turkmani said.

The new Syrian-Iranian MOU is an agreement to extend military relations and the exchange of technical expertise between the two countries. Both ministers said that Syrian-Iranian cooperation plays a big role in enhancing security and stability in the region.

Turkmani’s visit to Tehran comes five days after Syria and Israel announced they had begun indirect peace talks in Turkey. Israeli officials have stated that Syria must cut its ties with Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas in order for a peace deal to be reached.

During the press conference Turkmani said that Syria is committed to achieving a “just and comprehensive peace”. He also highlighted Damascus’ focus on regaining the Golan Heights.

“Iran supports Syria in taking back the occupied Golan,” Najjar said. He also described Syrian-Iranian relations as “strategic”, adding that “no one should seek to disrupt such relations”.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on May 25 that it was important to boost Syrian-Iranian cooperation in all fields, emphasising the need to strengthen coordination between the two armies.

“Visits and meetings between officials of the two countries continuously stress that the ties are developing,” Turkmani said. “The consolidated relations between Syria and Iran have foiled and overcome threats which targeted resistance in the region.”