Assad stresses determination to continue cooperation with Iran

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad congratulated Sunday Hassan Rouhani on winning Iran's presidential election, stressing his country's determination to continue cooperation with his country. A day earlier, Rouhani, Iran's moderate candidate, won the presidential election by garnering 50.71 percent of the votes. Assad, in his letter of congratulations, stressed Syria's determination to enhance relations with Tehran and to further develop cooperation between the two nations on all levels, according to official SANA news agency. Iran has emerged as the main regional backer of Syria during the latter's 27-month-old conflict. The Syrian opposition groups have accused Iran of prolonging the life of the Syrian administration by rendering all kinds of supports to Assad. Earlier on Sunday, Syrian Prime Minister Wael al-Halqi said his government has undertaken all measures to facilitate the flow of Iranian products into Syrian markets free of customs duty.