Iranian President Visits Syria for the First Time in 12 Years Since Civil War Broke Out

Syrian President Emphasizes Solidarity Through Response to Western Sanctions

Sayyed Ebrahim Raisi, the President of Iran, visited Syria for the first time in 12 years and met with Bashar al-Assad, the President of Syria. The two leaders demonstrated a united front against the West amid sanctions.

On the 3rd (local time), according to Iran's state-run IRNA news agency and other foreign media, President Raisi arrived at Damascus International Airport in Syria with a delegation including ministers from key departments such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

President Raisi then met with President al-Assad and referred to the situation of both countries under Western sanctions, stating that they have "achieved victory" against them. President al-Assad also mentioned the close relationship between the two countries, saying that "the relationship between Syria and Iran is stable and continuous."

President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi of Iran arriving in Damascus, the capital of Syria [Image source=Yonhap News]

This is the first visit by an Iranian president to Syria since the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011. During that time, Iran had visited Syria as a proxy battleground amid conflicts with Saudi Arabia. However, after agreeing to normalize relations with Saudi Arabia in March, Iran is also showing willingness to improve relations with Syria.

The Arab League (AL), composed of 22 Arab countries, expelled Syria after the civil war broke out but is now considering Syria’s return to the league. The decision on Syria’s reinstatement may be made at the AL summit to be held in Saudi Arabia on the 19th.