Assad''s Tehran Visit of Great Significance

Kuwait News Agency:

The visit Sunday of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad to Tehran is of great importance as it coincides with significant developments in the region, whether in Iraq, Lebanon or Palestine, a political source told KUNA. READ MORE

The source said that in addition to getting to know the new Iranian president closer, the visit comes to stress continuation of good relations between the two capitals.

During the official two-day visit, Al-Assad is to meet a host of senior officials in addition to the new president, according to Iranian state television.

Since relations have not ever been through any tension, the talks are expected to focus on the US pressure and demands of the two states concerning Iraq, the source predicted.

The talks in Tehran would also discuss the situation regarding UN Security Council resolution 1559 and how it affects and applies to Hizbollah, the source said.

The issue of the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza is also to get priority amid considerable rift in Israel in opposition of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

This visit comes amid close if not shared views on many issues between Damascus and Tehran. It follows regular exchange of visits by senior officials and members of the higher joint committee that aimed at coordinating approach to the complex issues and multi-angle developments in the region.

The Higher Joint Committee was founded in 1990 and the two states have signed many agreements in economics, trade, agriculture, industry and other fields. The higher committee is responsible for follow ups on implementation of signed agreements as overall trade exchange improves, reaching USD 100 million in 2004.