TEHRAN -- Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad on Monday called for stronger defense relations with Syria.

“So far Iran-Syria mutual cooperation in various fields has been very useful and defense relations must expand to the extent possible,” he told visiting Syrian Defense Minister Hassan Turkmani.
Ahmadinejad congratulated the Syrian minister on the success of the Lebanese nation to end the country’s long-running political crisis which had brought it to the brink of a new civil war.
He underlined the importance of preserving peace in Lebanon which exerts a direct influence on the security of the whole region.
The president also praised the Palestinian and Lebanese groups for their resistance against the Zionist occupation.
“The Palestinians and Lebanese’ victories are the outcome of their faith in God, unity, and resistance against enemies,” the president observed.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Ahmadinejad said, “Support for the Palestinian nation is a support for the region’s security because Palestine is at the forefront of fight against the Zionist regime’s acts of aggression.”
“I am sure that the Syrian leadership will cleverly handle the situation and will not leave the front line until the complete elimination of the Zionist regime’s threats,” he stated.
Turkmani, for his part, said Tehran-Damascus “historic and strategic” relations follow strong principles.
The minister expressed Syria’s determination to further boost comprehensive ties.