According to Syria’s official news agency, SANA, Assad made the remarks in a meeting with the senior aide of the Iranian foreign minister for political affairs Ali Asghar Khaji and his accompanying delegation in Damascus on Tuesday, Press TV reported.

Assad added that the ongoing counterterrorism battle in Idlib Province, the last major bastion of terror in Syria, is a top priority.

Syrian forces have gained ground after a week-long assault against the last terrorist enclave in Syria’s northwest, the biggest such push in more than three months.

The Takfiris were using villages as a launching pad for their mortar attacks on areas in southern Idlib, which have returned to government control.

The Syrian army recently said it had regained control over more than 20 villages and hilltops and was coming close to one of the 12 Turkish observation posts in the northwest.

The Iranian official, for his part, said Iran has always supported and will continue to support any move aimed at serving the interests of the Syrian people and preserving the country’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.

During the meeting, the Iranian diplomat and Syrian president also exchanged views about bilateral relations with the latest developments in Syria.

Fight against terrorism

Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad also said on Tuesday that Tehran and Damascus are united in the fight against terrorism.

In a meeting with Khaji and his delegation, Mekdad slammed the illegal presence of US and Western boots on Syrian soil and said the Arab nation views foreign forces as aggressors and occupiers.

Khaji arrived in Damascus on a day-long visit on Tuesday for talks with Syrian officials about ways to improve cooperation.