The agreement, signed by the Syrian Defense Minister General Ali Abdullah Ayyoub and Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran Maj. Gen. Mohammad Baqeri on Wednesday, emphasizes the expansion of military and security cooperation in the field of armed forces and the continuation of coordination.

In today's conversation, both sides discussed the situation in Syria and the need for the withdrawal of foreign forces that have entered the country illegally.

"If the US government had been able to bring Iran, Syria, and the axis of resistance to its knees, it would not have been delayed for a moment," Ali Ayyoub said.

Referring to the Caesar Act, which is a series of US sanctions against Syria, he said, "Caesar Act fights the Syrian people in providing food, and medicine. We are trying to deal with the consequences of this act."

"Israel is a strong partner in the war against Syria," he said. "Terrorist groups are part of the Israeli aggression."

Maj. Gen. Baqeri, for his part, said: "We will strengthen Syrian air defense systems in order to strengthen military cooperation between the two countries."

"Turkey is a little late in implementing its commitment to Astana understandings to get terrorist groups out of Syria." Mohammad Baqeri added. "Turkey needs to realize that the solution to its security issues is through negotiation and understanding with Syria, not by being present in Syrian territory," added.

"The people and countries of the region do not welcome the presence of the United States. The signed agreement raises our will to work together to counter US pressure," he concluded.

Earlier at the 6th tripartite summit of the Astana Peace Process on July 1, 2020, with the participation of the Presidents of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Russian Federation, and the Republic of Turkey, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani condemned any sanctions against any nations in the world, especially Syria, saying that Iran will continue to support the Syrian government and people with greater vigor.

IranPress