Iran Intel. minister arrives in Syria

The Iranian intelligence minister has arrived in the Syrian capital of Damascus to hold talks with the country's officials on bilateral relations, Press TV reported.

"Iran and Syria have achieved success in their cooperation and relations in the past...and we hope this trip will be a turning point in Tehran-Damascus relations in line with serving regional issues," Heidar Moslehi said on Wednesday.

Moslehi described holding talks with Palestinian officials as one of the objectives of his visit and said, "In the arranged talks with Palestinian groups in Syria, issues pertaining to Palestine and the recent actions of domineering powers and Zionists in the region will be discussed," IRINN reported.

"In this trip, the actions and movements of groups which have considerable cooperation and ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran will be discussed."

Moslehi also referred to his meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Sunday and said, "In the meeting regional issues and relations we have in the field of intelligence will be reviewed."

Al-Assad visited Tehran on October 2 and discussed regional and international developments with high-ranking Iranian officials.

The Syrian president was presented with the Grand National Order of the Islamic Republic of Iran for his resistance against arrogant powers, defense of the rights of the Palestinian and Lebanese nations, his key role in the stability and tranquility of regional countries and great efforts to strengthen brotherly Iran-Syria ties.

The two countries also signed two Memoranda of Understanding on free trade and industrial cooperation during al-Assad's visit.

Bilateral trade between the two countries is currently valued at USD 3 billion and is expected to hit USD 5 billion in the near future.