Zarif meets Syrian deputy-FM in Tehran

TEHRAN, Apr. 21 (MNA) – Iran’s Zarif and Syrian Deputy FM Faisal al-Mekdad discussed various bilateral, regional and global issues that concern both nations during a Monday meeting in Tehran. Syrian Deputy Foreign Minster Faisal al-Mekdad expressed his country’s gratitude for the Islamic Republic’s support of Syrian government and people, giving a detailed report on the latest developments on the battlefield with the terrorists particularly in Yarmuk refugee camp, as well as Syria’s recent talks with the Syrian opposition figures and representatives in Moscow which aimed at restarting long-stalled peace negotiations to end the country's brutal war. Noting the significance of the Swiss statement that was issued jointly by Tehran and the 5+1 on April 2, al-Mekdad deemed Iran’s nuclear achievements to the benefit of all developing countries. He also extended his country’s support for Iran’s four-point Yemen peace plan that was submitted to the UN, strongly condemning the brutal assaults on the innocent people of Yemen. Iran’s four-point Yemen peace plan includes ceasefire and an immediate end to all foreign military attacks; unimpeded urgent humanitarian and medical assistance to the people of Yemen; Resumption of Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned national dialogue, with the participation of the representatives of all political parties and social groups; and Establishment of an inclusive national unity government. Al-Mekdad also announced the attendance of Syria's Foreign Minister Walid Muallem in the next NAM ministerial meeting in Tehran. Mohamad Javad Zarif, for his part, expressed Islamic Republic’s support for the Syrian government and people against the foreign-backed terrorists, stressing the need for the continuation of talks between Syrian officials and non-terrorist opposition figures. He also expressed his deepest concerns over the killing of innocent and defenseless people of Yemen and the destruction of this country’s infrastructure, noting Iran would intensify efforts to stop the killings.