Damascus, Syria - June 4, 2024

Storyline:
Iran's Acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani on Tuesday paid his first visit to Syria since his appointment last month to address the urgent need to stop Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip against the Palestinians.

Bagheri Kani discussed bilateral relations and the current situation in Gaza with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad.

Assad said on the situation in Gaza that resisting all forms of Israeli occupation is a fundamental principle and strategic choice. Bagheri Kani said Iran will continue to maintain a strategic partnership with Syria and increase investment in Syria.

During a joint press conference with Mekdad, Bagheri Kani emphasized the importance of immediately halting "Israeli occupation crimes," particularly in the southernmost Gazan city of Rafah, and ensuring the prompt and unconditional delivery of humanitarian aid.

"Iran stands with Syria in the fight against terrorism and supports the Syrian government and people in achieving stability and development," Bagheri Kani added.

The two ministers condemned foreign interference in the region and expressed their condolences over the deaths of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, who died in a helicopter crash last month.

"The Syrian people stand in solidarity with our Iranian brothers and emphasize the importance of continuing and strengthening our strategic relationship," Mekdad said.

Iran and Syria maintain a long-standing political and military relationship, with Iran providing substantial support to the Syrian government in its fight against rebel forces and extremist groups.

Shotlist:
Damascus, Syria - June 4, 2024:
1. Various of talks between Iran's acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in progress;
2. Bagheri Kani, Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad waking to attend press conference;
3. Bagheri Kani speaking;
4. Mekdad speaking;
5. Press conference in progress;
6. Various of national flag of Syria in front of Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
FILE: Damascus, Syria - April 12, 2023;
7. National flag of Syria
FILE: Syria - Exact Location and Date Unknown;
8. Various of national flag of Syria, traffic.

[Restriction: No access Chinese mainland/Orient TV/Syria Alshaab TV/Zanoubia TV/Alhurra TV/ANN TV/Al Jazeera/Al-Arabiya TV]