Defense ministers from Iran, Russia and Syria are scheduled to meet in Tehran on Thursday to discuss the campaign against terrorism as well the recent developments in the Middle East.

Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu and his Syrian counterpart Fahd Jassem al-Freij will participate in the meeting on the official invitation of their Iranian counterpart Hossein Dehqan.

The defense ministers are to exchange viewpoints on the latest regional developments and ways to strengthen and extend the fight against terrorism during the trilateral meeting.

In a speech to the newly-elected parliament in Syria on Tuesday, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad expressed gratitude for Russia, China, and Iran for the support they have provided to the Damascus government.

He also thanked the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah.

The Syrian president further emphasized that the ties among Damascus, Tehran and Moscow are stronger than ever.

The remarks came just one day after Russia pledged to offer “the most active” support to the Syrian government, around the strategic northern city of Aleppo, located 350 kilometers (217 miles) north of Damascus.

Since September 30, 2015, Russia has been conducting airstrikes against Daesh and other terrorist groups in Syria at the Syrian government’s request.

Iran has also been offering advisory military assistance to the Syrian government.

Syria has been gripped by a foreign-backed militancy since March 2011. UN special envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura estimates that over 400,000 people have been killed in the conflict.

Source: katehon.com