TEHRAN (IRNA) -- Palestinian Foreign Minister Mahmoud al-Zahar said on Thursday that Iran plays a crucial role in the Middle East region.

Al-Zahar made the remark while speaking to reporters at a joint press conference with Secretary of Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) of Iran Ali Larijani after the two sides held a meeting.

He said during his meeting with Larijani, the two sides exchanged views on internal developments in Palestine, the Palestinian government's ties with Arab and Islamic states and establishment of Palestine's government of national unity.

He praised Iran's support for the oppressed Palestinian people. For his part, Larijani said, "Iran supports establishment of the Palestinian national unity government, supported by Hamas."

The SNSC secretary assessed as "good" current changes and development in Palestine.