Iran's first vice president says the promotion of relations between the Islamic Republic and Syria is beneficial for the two nations as well as other countries in the region, Press TV reported.
"Iran and Syria should try to prepare the ground for a huge leap in economic ties and joint cooperation in a shortest time," Mohammad Reza Rahimi said at the 13th Session of Iran-Syria Joint Economic Commission held in the Iranian capital of Tehran on Wednesday, IRNA reported.
"Establishing regional collaborations could increase the economic and political power of regional countries," Rahimi noted during the meeting, also attended by Syrian Prime Minister Muhammad Naji Otri.
The Iranian official underlined that the implementation of all agreements signed between Tehran and Damascus would favor the allies and other regional countries.
Otri, for his part, called for expansion of mutual ties with Iran "based on brotherhood and common interests of both states."
The Syrian premier, heading a high-ranking delegation, arrived in Tehran on Wednesday to hold talks with Iranian officials on bilateral ties and economic relations.
"Damascus is seeking to increase its ties with Iran in all fields," he said in reference to a visa-free travel regime and an agreement for a free trade zone between the two countries.
Iran and Syria, which share a common position on many regional and international issues, have enjoyed a boost in strategic political, economic and cultural ties in recent years.
Bilateral trade between the two countries is currently valued at $3 billion and is expected to reach $5 billion in the near future.
Rahimi attended the 12th Iran-Syria Joint Economic Commission in Damascus in April 2010.
In January, Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi visited the Syrian capital of Damascus to discuss regional developments.
In October 2010, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad also paid an official visit to Iran and held talks with senior Iranian officials.
...