DAMASCUS Syrian President Bashar Assad issued a decree on Sunday ratifying a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on customs cooperation between Syria and Iran.

Spokesman for Syrian Presidential Palace Jebran Kurieh said in a statement that the MOU concerns the proper implementation of regulations and preventing customs violations.

The MOU was signed by Iran's Housing and Urban Development Minister Ali Abdolalizadeh and Syrian Finance Minister Khalid al-Mahayni during President Mohammad Khatami's visit to Syria in May 1999.

Under the MOU the two countries will cooperate in exchange of information to prevent drug smuggling and return seized contraband goods.

The MOU is currently under review by the Majlis.

(IRNA)