An Iranian Delegation Meets Bashar al-Assad in Damascus

An Iranian delegation, led by Rostam Qasemi, a former minister and current advisor to the government, has met with Bashar al-Assad, the President of Syria, in Damascus. State media from both countries have reported that the purpose of this meeting is to 'develop economic cooperation aimed at strengthening relations.' The official news agency of the Islamic Republic reported on January 6 that, according to the Syrian official news agency, Rostam Qasemi stated, 'Iran stands by the Syrian people in the war that has been imposed on this country.' The Syrian civil war, which is nearing its fourth year, began following the suppression of largely peaceful protests against Bashar al-Assad's government. This war has resulted in over 200,000 deaths and millions of displaced persons and refugees, while international efforts to end it have yielded no results. Tehran and Moscow are considered supporters of the central Damascus government, while most Arab countries, Turkey, and many Western nations back the opposition to Bashar al-Assad. Rostam Qasemi, a former commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, was the Minister of Oil in Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's government and is currently the head of the 'Committee for the Development of Economic Relations between Iran and Syria.' According to the Syrian official news agency, 'SANA,' Bashar al-Assad emphasized the necessity of 'integrating economic views with political and strategic perspectives between the two countries' during this meeting. He called for 'easing methods and overcoming obstacles that exist against the economic development of Iran and Syria.' The Iranian news agency IRNA also reported that discussions during the meeting focused on 'efforts made to strengthen and solidify economic relations between Iran and Syria and investment opportunities in vital sectors aligned with the interests of both countries.' IRNA, citing 'SANA,' stated that the main topics of discussion were 'oil and gas, mineral resources, industry, transportation, food, and medical supplies and equipment.' Recently, Reuters reported that several banking and economic officials in Syria expressed concern over the negative effects of falling oil prices on the continuity of Tehran's financial support for the Syrian government. Prime Minister Wael al-Halqi of Syria also visited Iran in December, with the aim of ensuring continued support from Tehran for Bashar al-Assad, particularly regarding the ongoing supply of oil products to Syria. Al-Halqi and Qasemi also met on Monday, during which the Iranian official emphasized 'the Iranian government's willingness to expand cooperation with Syria and support its resistance against the imposed economic siege.' Both Iran and Syria are under international sanctions; part of the international sanctions and unilateral sanctions from Europe and the United States against Iran stem from its nuclear program, while some sanctions are due to Tehran's support for the Syrian government in its civil war.