DAMASCUS, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Acting Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani on Tuesday embarked on his first visit to Syria since his appointment last month to address the urgent need to stop Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip against the Palestinians.
During a press conference with his Syrian counterpart Faisal Mekdad, Bagheri Kani emphasized the importance of immediately halting "Israeli occupation crimes," particularly in the southernmost Gazan city of Rafah, and ensuring the prompt and unconditional delivery of aid.
"Iran stands with Syria in the fight against terrorism and supports the Syrian government and people in achieving stability and development," Bagheri Kani added.
The two ministers condemned foreign interference in the region and expressed their condolences over the deaths of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, who died in a helicopter crash last month.
"The Syrian people stand in solidarity with our Iranian brothers and emphasize the importance of continuing and strengthening our strategic relationship," Mekdad said.
Iran and Syria maintain a long-standing political and military relationship, with Iran providing substantial support to the Syrian government in its fight against rebel forces and extremist groups. ■
