Syria and Iran forge closer economic ties

Iran and Syria signed on Wednesday two memorandums of understanding in economic sectors and Iran's first vice president Mohammad-Reza Rahimi said Iran and Syria's economic ties will be further enhanced since both countries enjoy high economic potentials. Iran will provide power engineering and equipment worth 50 million euros (about 66.6 million U.S. dollars) to Syria within 20 months. Also, a one-billion-euro (1.3 billion dollars) credit line will be opened between the Bank of Iran Exports Development and the Syrian Trade Bank for mutual transactions, according to Iran's state IRIB TV. The two sides also discussed the situation in Syria. Visiting Syrian Prime Minister Wael al-Halqi announced here Wednesday if armed opposition groups lay down their arms, Syria will start talks with them. Al-Halqi made the remarks during a joint press conference with Iran's first vice president Mohammad-Reza Rahimi, The Syrian official thanked Iran for what he called the Islamic republic's attempts for restoring peace and stability in the Arab state, according to the report. The Iranian vice president expressed hope that the conflicts in Syria will end and national dialogue for establishing peace and stability will start in the country. The Syrian prime minister said the agreements will serve as the supports for the Syrian national economy and infrastructure. The supports from countries like Iran will help nullify the " plots" of the Syrian enemies, added al-Halqi, who left Tehran Wednesday evening after a two-day official visit.