Iran, Syria Agree On Military Cooperation, Sign Post-War Reconstruction Agreement

Iran and Syria signed an agreement for military cooperation and reconstruction of war-torn Syria in a meeting in Damascus, reports said. The meeting was held between the defense ministers of the two countries.

As per the agreement, Iran will continue to provide “presence and participation” for the reconstruction of Syria.

Amir Hatami, the Iranian defense minister, was in Damascus for a two-day visit. He met with the Syrian President Bashar Assad and senior officials of the Syrian military. The agreement was signed on the second day of his visit, during which he held “detailed negotiations” with the Syrian Defense Minister Ali Abdullah Ayoub and Assad.

"Syria is passing through the crisis stage and entering the reconstruction phase," Hatami said, adding that the document "will define the areas of bilateral presence, participation, and cooperation” in defense ties.

He said the era of war was put behind by Syria, and it is now in the era of reconstruction. According to the minister, Tehran hoped to have an important and fruitful role in the rebuilding.

The Syrian defense minister said: “We will realize our national interests, and not allow any party or country to cause damage to the strong and firm relations of the two countries,” by cooperating with Iran. “It was thanks to the Islamic Republic’s support and cooperation that great victories were achieved against terrorist groups and their patrons,” he said.

Hatami arrived in the Syrian capital city Sunday afternoon, heading a senior military and defense delegation.

“Syria’s full liberation will curb further foreign intervention in the affairs of the region,” Hatami said on arriving.

In a meeting with the Syrian president, Hatami talked of the leadership and the victory over terrorism in Syria. He said it was an example for the whole world to follow. He also praised the steadfastness of the Syrian people.

According to Assad, the two countries had to outline plans so they could improve upon their long-term cooperation, thereby making the two nations a formidable foe for their enemies.

Iran has been providing Syria military advise and support since 2011. According to reports, Iran plans to maintain providing support as along as the Syrian government requires it.

Many other countries have called for the complete removal of Iranian troops and military from Syria. Israel has warned Syria several times that Iran was using the intervention to permanently station a military base in Syria.

National Security Advisor John Bolton talked with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week on the same issue. He said Iran should remove its forces from Syria. He said U.S. and Russia might have to work together to ensure Iranian troops leave Syria. He added that in a recent meeting with Russian officials, they discussed the situation which included “the complete return of both regular and irregular Iranian forces.”

"No third party can affect the presence of Iranian advisers in Syria,” Hatami said, adding that Iran’s presence in the country was at the invitation of the Syrian government.