Putin envoy tells Iran that cooperation in Syria will continue
Iranian and Russian officials have insisted that despite pressure from outside countries, the two countries will continue to support the Syrian government.
Alexander Lavrentiev, President Vladimir Putin’s special envoy for Syria, traveled to Tehran July 18 to update the Iranians on the results of the much-publicized summit between the American and Russian presidents in Helsinki earlier in the week. Lavrentiev reportedly met for two hours with Saeed Irvanii, deputy for foreign policy and international security of the Supreme National Security Council.
One of the key topics of conversation between the two men was Syria, where — according to Lavrentiev — Russia and Iran will continue to cooperate. “There has been no pause in the determination and will of the Russian government in the continuation of mutual cooperation to fight terrorism, and this path will continue until the establishment of complete stability and security in Syria,” Lavrentiev said.
On the “victories of the Syrian army in southern Syria” and the support of Syria’s allies, Irvanii said, “The latest achievements are important steps in the success of the political process within the framework of the Astana and Sochi talks.” He added that the Islamic Republic would continue to support dialogue between the Syrian sides.
Irvanii also discussed Israel’s role in Syria, saying, “The level of cooperation and the positions of Russia and Iran show that the negative actions of the Zionist regime and their trickiness has no influence on the cooperation of the two countries.” He continued, “Iran and Russia will continue to fight terrorism within the framework of the existing coalition in supporting the Syrian armed forces.”
