DAMASCUS/TEHRAN/ABU DHABI - Syrian President Bashar al-Assad pledged to continue combating terrorist organizations "with full strength and determination" during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, state media reported on Sunday.
Speaking in Damascus, Assad emphasized that Syria's fight against the rebels serves not only national interests but regional stability. "Confronting terrorism, dismantling its structure, and drying up its sources benefits the entire region," Assad told Araghchi, according to the state news agency SANA.
The Syrian president highlighted the importance of support from allies in countering foreign-backed terrorist attacks.
Araghchi conveyed a message of support from Iranian leadership, reaffirming Iran's commitment to Syria's territorial integrity and its readiness to provide comprehensive backing in the ongoing conflict.
ALSO READ: Teheran condemns ‘terrorist’ attack on Iran's consulate in Syria's Aleppo
Araghchi's visit occurs amid escalating tensions, with Syrian military forces engaged in significant combat operations against rebel groups. Activists reported that recent rebel advances have resulted in the loss of control over Aleppo and Idlib provinces.
Also on Sunday, the Syrian government convened an extraordinary session on the situation in Aleppo, admitting the current challenges faced by state institutions.
"...the circumstances were harsh and difficult. Preparations by foreign countries and global intelligence agencies, along with unlimited funding and support (to rebel groups), made dealing with the situation difficult in the beginning," the government said in a statement.
The government pledged to closely monitor developments in Aleppo, with each minister responsible for overseeing state institutions within their purview to make necessary decisions swiftly.
ALSO READ: Rebels advance to central Syria as Syrian army prepares counterattack
Separately, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday urged Muslim states to help address the problem in Syria.
Pezeshkian made the remarks at a meeting with members of the Iranian administration and parliament in the capital Tehran, according to a statement published on the website of his office.
The president urged assistance from Muslim countries to solve Syria's problem, saying regional security could be achieved through efforts of regional states and there is no need for foreign interference.
Also on Sunday, President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with visiting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss strategies to prevent further crises in the Middle East.
During the meeting, the two leaders "stressed the importance of fostering Arab cooperation in light of the complex challenges facing the region," UAE's official news agency WAM reported
The two Gulf states also stressed "the need for concerted efforts to maintain regional stability and prevent the region descending into new crises that could threaten its security," it added.
On the Palestinian issue, the two sides stressed the importance of pursuing a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace based on a two-state solution, ensuring stability and security for all.
Separately, UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan held telephone talks with his counterparts from Iraq, Jordan, and Egypt. These discussions included an exchange of views on the implications of regional developments for security and stability, with particular attention to Syria.
Sheikh Abdullah reaffirmed the UAE's support for Syria in addressing terrorism and extremism and expressed wishes for Iraq's enduring security and prosperity, said WAM.
The meetings highlight key ongoing regional concerns, including the need for enhanced cooperation to address shared challenges, WAM added.
