Syria should not be a center for terrorist groups

TEHRAN (Defapress) - In a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart, Iran's Foreign Minister, Seyyed Abbas Araqchi, stated: "Ending the extensive support of the US and the West for the Zionist regime and immediately stopping the genocide and crimes of this regime in Gaza is an urgent and necessary matter. Also, sending urgent and humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, given the upcoming winter season, is an urgent matter that we hope the international community will pay attention to."

Araqchi added: We have always warned about the Zionist regime's goals of aggression and expansion of war in the region, and we believe that the root of many of the region's problems is foreign interference and the continuation of occupation and violation of the fundamental rights of the peoples of the region, especially the oppressed Palestinian people.

The Foreign Minister of our country continued: Based on the information we have, the Takfiri terrorist groups active in Syria have close ties and coordination with the United States and the Zionist regime. These groups encouraged the creation of insecurity in Syria intending to divert attention from the crimes of the Zionist regime in Palestine and Lebanon and compensating for the defeats they suffered from the Resistance.

In another part of his speech, he noted: The reactivation of Takfiri terrorist groups in northern Syria and their attacks on various regions, including the city of Aleppo, is worrying. The return of terrorism to Syria has seriously endangered the security, stability, and territorial integrity of Syria.

Araqchi added: The consequences of such a dangerous situation will certainly affect all countries, especially Syria's neighbors. We believe that ignoring the role of the Zionist regime in creating tension, unrest, and conflict in the region is wrong and we should never forget that.

The Foreign Minister of Iran stated: We had a detailed discussion with the Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and examined ways to establish stability in Syria. We agree that we must protect the achievements of the Astana process and agreed to hold the next meeting of the Astana process at the level of foreign ministers soon.

He reminded that we want to maintain this process and we think that we should not do anything that will cause problems in continuing this process. In addition, the result of insecurity in Syria could cause civil war, killing civilians and harming the economy of the Syrian people and the region. In addition, Syria should not be a center for terrorist groups, Iran and Turkey have an agreement and consensus on this matter and Syria should not be allowed to become a safe place for Takfiri and non-Takfiri terrorist groups again and throw the region into chaos.

Araqchi stated: "In our opinion, the project to destabilize Syria is a Zionist project, and no one should ignore the role of the Zionist regime. As neighboring countries, we must take immediate and effective measures to prevent the disruption of security and political stability in Syria."

The Minister of Foreign Affairs added: The Islamic Republic of Iran declares our full support for the Syrian government, the Syrian people, and the army of this country. Just as we stood by the Syrian government, the army, and the Syrian people in the past, we will continue to stand by them. We believe that stability and tranquility in Syria are of great importance. In this regard, the Islamic Republic of Iran will continue its consultations with regional countries.

He continued: "Turkey's position in the Islamic Republic's consultations is important for maintaining stability and security in Syria, and we will also consult with other countries in the region such as Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and other countries. We think regional talks are necessary to prevent the situation in Syria from escalating."

Araghchi noted: We used the opportunity of this meeting for bilateral relations between Iran and Turkey, we had very good and constructive talks. Fortunately, the cooperation between the two countries is in good condition, early next year we will hold the ninth Iran-Turkey cooperation meeting in Tehran with the participation of the presidents of the two countries.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs added: We believe that many areas of cooperation between the two countries should be pursued and implemented, and as the Turkish Foreign Minister announced, we have designed the mechanisms for this cooperation and are in the process of designing more.

He stated: The relations between Iran and Turkey are very good and regular, and we will continue our contacts and agree to cooperate for peace, stability, and tranquility in the region.

Araqchi emphasized: As I said, our consultations today were held at a very good level. I must say that our consultations were very frank, direct, and of course friendly and constructive, and we both agree that Syria must move towards peace and tranquility, that the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Syria must be preserved, and that the necessary measures must be taken for good governance in Syria.

Iran's Minister of Foreign Affairs concluded by saying: Our discussions were very frank and constructive, there are differences of opinion; there are also common views. The important thing is that we have always talked about our differences of opinion, and now we have decided to talk more closely and be able to work together to manage the situation in the region well for peace, tranquility, and progress in the region.