Mahdi Sobhani, Iran’s Ambassador to Syria, stressed that Syria occupies a very distinct place in the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The two countries know each other’s intentions very well, which is important to understand. Both nations also have good intentions towards each other, which provides a solid foundation for moving towards a bright future. Crucially, nobody can disrupt these relations.
In an exclusive interview with al-Watan, Sobhani said that his country is maintaining its efforts to develop economic cooperation and help Syria to mitigate some of its problems. These challenges include providing electricity and fuel, as well as meeting Syria’s need for various essential products. Iran is maintaining its efforts and continuing to consult with Syrian officials to find solutions to existing problems. The overall aim is to overcome some of the challenges and increase trade between the two countries.
Regarding the recent Arab openness towards Syria, Sobhani stressed that Iran views this phenomenon positively. Iran welcomes any openness in Syria’s foreign relations that serves the interests of the Syrian government and people, saying: “It is a pleasure for us that Syria should move towards relations that ease the country’s pain and suffering, paving the way for prosperity and growth.”
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Sobhani stressed that what unites Iran with Russia is a common goal: to defeat terrorists and stand up to their international sponsors. Sobhani added: “The terrorists and their international sponsors were planning to overthrow the government in Syria and divide the country. Iran and Russia devised a common objective to help Syria in this respect, and this agenda still exists. The battle is not over yet, and I do not think that any disagreement has emerged between Iran and Russia on this point.”
Iran’s Ambassador to Syria indicated that his country does not agree with Turkey on its policies towards Syria, especially Turkey’s illegal presence on Syrian territory. Sobhani stressed that Iran believes that Turkish troops must withdraw from Syrian territory, pointing out that foreign countries should not seek to determine the Syrian people’s fate under the pretext of supporting them. Instead, foreign countries should allow the Syrian people to decide their own destiny. Sobhani added: “I very much hope that Turkey will abide by its commitments on Idlib and the M4 road, and allow Syria to live in peace.”
On the dialogue between Iran and Saudi Arabia, Sobhani expressed his country’s desire for tension-free relations with its neighbors and all countries in the Muslim world.
This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
