Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi confirmed that "the changing conditions are clearly in favor of the Syrian people and the region," considering that "his visit to Syria marked a turning point in the relations between the two countries." Upon returning to Tehran from Damascus, Raisi spoke about the outcomes of his two-day visit to Syria, labeling it as of great significance for both countries, "as it comes after 12 years of the Syrian people's and government’s resilience, supported by Iran, in the face of conspiracies and plots by enemies." He noted that "the Syrian people and the people of the region believe today that Iran is a strong pillar they can rely on and trust," asserting that his visit "represents a turning point in expanding economic, commercial, political, and security relations between Iran and Syria."
Raisi stated that "the change in conditions favoring the Syrian people and the region is evident after 12 years of resistance. Iran and Syria have good opportunities and conditions to enhance economic and commercial cooperation by establishing a joint bank and insurance companies, eliminating trade tariffs between the two countries, and expanding transit operations between Iran, Iraq, and Syria."
The Iranian president arrived at Damascus International Airport last Wednesday, marking the first visit by an Iranian president to Syria since the war began in the country in 2011, according to the Iranian Tasnim news agency. He conducted extensive political and economic discussions with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, followed by the signing of agreements. Iranian and Syrian flags lined the airport road in preparation for Raisi and his accompanying delegation, which included ministers of oil, defense, foreign affairs, and communications.
Raisi's two-day visit came at a time when Iran and Saudi Arabia are rebuilding their relations after years of tension. Additionally, Arab countries that isolated Syria due to its crackdown on protesters in 2011 are drawing up a roadmap to end the 12-year-long war and reintegrate Damascus into the Arab fold. In this context, Syria and Iran emphasized in a joint statement at the end of the visit the importance of strengthening bilateral relations based on brotherly and strategic ties, as well as the necessity of respecting national sovereignty and independence and preserving the territorial integrity of both countries according to the goals and principles of the United Nations Charter.
