Iranian Foreign Minister Ali-Akbar Salehi said that the countries of the region will be affected by any negative developments in Syria, Press TV reported on Wednesday. Salehi made the remarks during a meeting with Syrian Oil and Mineral Resources Minister Said Hneidi here on Tuesday, said the report. The Syrian crisis requires a political solution, he said, reiterating the Iran\'s support for the Syrian government. Iran is interested in strengthening its economic ties with Syria and cooperation in joint projects, Salehi was quoted as saying. For his part, the Syrian minister thanked Iran for its support of the Syrian government and nation and expressed hope that the two countries would expand their ties in the future, according to the report.