WANA (Dec 06) – In a joint press conference with his Syrian and Iraqi counterparts, the Iranian Foreign Minister stated, “We wholeheartedly support the government and people of Syria in their fight against terrorist groups.”

 

Following a joint meeting in Baghdad, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araqchi, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, and Syrian Foreign Minister Bassam Sabbagh attended a joint press conference.

 

Iraq Stresses the Importance of Syria’s Security

At the beginning of the conference, the Iraqi Foreign Minister remarked, “We discussed the situation in Syria and its implications for neighboring countries and Iraq. Syria’s security is interconnected with regional security, which in turn affects Iraq’s stability.”

 

Fuad Hussein condemned the attacks by terrorist groups in Syria, emphasizing that these groups are designated as terrorists by the United Nations. “We in Iraq have been victims of terrorism and are fighting against it,” he added.

 

He further explained Iraq’s position: “The security of Syria directly impacts Iraq’s security, and the stability of both countries is tied to that of the surrounding region. We are committed to keeping Iraq away from war and terrorist attacks. This is the responsibility of the Iraqi armed forces, including the army, Hashd al-Shaabi, the Peshmerga, and all security forces, who remain fully prepared to protect Iraq’s borders and its people.”

 

Hussein also highlighted Iraq’s humanitarian efforts, saying, “We support the Syrian people by providing humanitarian aid to displaced Syrians and those in need.”

 

He noted ongoing diplomatic consultations about Syria, revealing plans for a regional meeting on Syria to be held in Iraq with participation from various nations. Additionally, he called for an Arab League summit centered on the Syrian crisis.

Syria Condemns Foreign Interventions

Syrian Foreign Minister Bassam Sabbagh, reflecting on his discussions in Baghdad, stated, “During my visit, I had fruitful talks with Iraqi officials regarding recent developments in Syria.” He condemned terrorist group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, designated as a terrorist organization by the UN, and affirmed that “the Syrian Arab Army continues its duty to combat terrorist groups, whose actions have displaced many Syrians.”

 

Sabbagh criticized parties supporting these terrorist groups for violating UN resolutions, Security Council mandates, and the Astana agreements. He warned that “the threat posed by terrorism endangers not only Syria’s security but the stability of the entire region. International and regional efforts must be mobilized to combat these groups.”

 

He also addressed foreign interventions, stating, “External meddling aims to achieve historical goals, redraw the region’s map, and alter its political structure based on hostile agendas.” Sabbagh emphasized the need to preserve Syria’s territorial integrity and avoid double standards in countering terrorism.

 

Iran Pledges Continued Support

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araqchi underscored Iran’s shared concerns with Iraq regarding Syria, saying, “During my visit, I met with Iraq’s Foreign Minister, Prime Minister, and President. We discussed bilateral relations, which have significantly improved following recent visits by Iraqi officials to Iran.”

 

Araqchi stressed the alignment between Iran and Iraq on the threats facing Syria and the broader region. He added, “We agreed to continue our joint efforts regionally and internationally.”

 

Highlighting the key messages of the trilateral meeting, Araqchi stated, “The first message is unwavering support for the Syrian government and people in their fight against Takfiri terrorist groups.”

 

He further pointed to the broader geopolitical context, stating, “Undoubtedly, these terrorist groups operate as part of a US-Israeli conspiracy. The Zionist role in orchestrating this plot must not be overlooked. We will fully support Syria in its fight against terrorism and provide whatever assistance is necessary based on the Syrian government’s requests.”

 

Araqchi warned of the regional consequences of Syria becoming a haven for terrorist groups like ISIS, saying, “If the groundwork is laid for their resurgence, this will pose a major threat not only to Syria but also to neighboring countries like Iraq, Jordan, and Turkey.”

 

The Iranian diplomat emphasized, “Terrorism knows no borders. To counter terrorism, we must act beyond borders and address the issue at its roots. Protecting our security requires supporting our neighbors in their fight against terrorism.”

 

Unified Call for Action Against Terrorism

Concluding his remarks, Araqchi highlighted the importance of non-discrimination in combating terrorism. “Groups like Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham and Jabhat al-Nusra, designated as terrorist organizations by the UN, must be confronted as part of an international obligation.”

 

He criticized selective approaches to terrorism, saying, “The international coalition against terrorism should not differentiate between terrorists. There is no ‘good’ or ‘bad’ terrorism. The UN has clearly identified these groups, and countries that remain silent or support them are responsible for the consequences.”

 

Araqchi reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to working with Syria and Iraq in combating terrorism and maintaining regional stability.