Iran hosts new Syrian foreign minister in first visit abroad

Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif hosts his Syrian counterpart Faisal Mekdad in Tehran, in the top diplomat’s first official visit abroad.

During their meeting, the two discussed “bilateral, regional and international issues, as well as the joint fight against terrorism,” Iran’s foreign ministry says in a statement. Zarif emphasized the “necessity of vigilance and consultation” between Iran and Syria due to the “recent regional developments and condition,” it adds.

Mekdad succeeded Wallid Muallem as Syria’s foreign minister on November 22, after the veteran diplomat died days before. Iran has been a staunch supporter of Syria’s President Bashar Assad in the civil war that has ravaged the country since 2011.