Iran, Syria Vow To Develop Economic Ties As Raisi Concludes Damascus Visit

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and the Syrian leader discussed "ways to develop and strengthen bilateral relations" and "emphasized existing cooperation in the field of reconstruction," as Iran’s head of state wrapped up his landmark visit to Damascus.

During late-night talks, Raisi and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad also expressed a "willingness to take any action to develop commercial-economic relations,” according to a joint statement released on May 5.

Earlier, Raisi said the two sides had signed 15 "cooperation documents" that would allow them to “open a new chapter in economic relations."

His two-day visit, the first by an Iranian president to Syria since 2010, came as Assad seeks to revive his country's devastated economy and infrastructure, despite Western sanctions on both countries.

The Islamic Republic has been a major backer of Assad’s government since an uprising turned into a full-blown war in 2011. Tehran has sent military advisers and thousands of Iran-backed fighters from Lebanon and elsewhere to fight on Assad's side, helping to turn the tide of the war in his favor. 

During his visit, Raisi praised Syria for "achieving victory" and invited Assad to officially visit Tehran.

However, large parts of northern Syria remain outside of government control.