Iran's president visits Syria for the first time after 12 years of civil war

Damascus [Syria], May 4: Mr Raisi's visit comes as Iran and regional rival Saudi Arabia have restored ties after years of tension, and Arab states that once shunned Assad - including Riyadh - are growing attempt to normalize relations with his government.
With military and economic support from both Iran and Russia, the Assad regime has regained control of most of Syria from rebel forces backed by regional countries.
Mr. Assad, speaking alongside Mr. Raisi, welcomed the "development" of relations between Tehran and Riyadh. Assad also stressed the importance of meetings between Syrian , Turkish, Russian and Iranian officials in Moscow.
He said the goal should be to ensure the withdrawal of "occupying forces and stop supporting terrorist groups" - clearly referring to the Turkish military in northern Syria and its support. for rebel forces in Syria.
Syrian officials have repeatedly said that any move towards normalizing relations between Damascus and Ankara can only come after Turkey agrees to withdraw thousands of its troops stationed in the area. rebel-held areas in northwestern Syria.
Mr. Raisi praised Syria for resisting pressure from the US, as well as confronting "takfiris", a phrase used to describe jihadist forces such as the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS). "Iran will always stand with Syria... and support its sovereignty," he said.
The two leaders signed a long-term strategic cooperation agreement, including a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the oil sector, the Syrian state news agency reported. Mr Assad said he hoped the visit would provide a "strong boost" to trade and investment.
Arab nations that isolated Syria because of the Assad regime's response to protests in 2011, but are now charting a path toward ending the 12-year war and helping Syria reintegrate into the community. Arab coin.
A US State Department spokesman said on May 3 that deepening relations between Iran and Syria should be of great concern, not only to US allies and countries in the region, but also to Around the world. According to spokesman Vedant Patel, Washington has made it clear to its partners that it does not support other countries normalizing relations with Damascus.
Speaking on pro-Iranian TV station al-Mayadeen ahead of his visit, Mr Raisi said the trip would "consolidate and develop" relations with Syria and other allies, including the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah. forces have also intervened in Syria on behalf of Assad.
Tehran has provided credit loans to the Syrian government and won lucrative business deals in telecommunications and mining, among other sectors.
President Assad has never publicly acknowledged that Iranian forces have fought for him in the conflict in Syria, saying that Tehran only has military advisers on the ground.
Source: ThanhNien Newspaper