TEHRAN - Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior advisor to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, says Iran, Syria and Iraq will form an alliance against terrorism in the future.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of his meeting with Syrian Interior Minister Mohammad al-Shaar on Tuesday, Velayati said Iran, Iraq and Syria can defeat terrorism through cooperation.

“The first circle of resistance and campaign against terrorism has been formed by Iran, Iraq and Syria, and we are certain that with the unity of the three countries we can win over terrorism, and in the future a close relationship will take shape among the three countries.”

Velayati said Syria and Iraq are fighting terrorism on the behalf of all countries in the region since terrorism has no borders.

“If the government and people of Iraq and the government and people of Syria are fighting terrorism it is a ‘defense’ from the entire regional countries. Campaign against terrorism is a regional campaign and it is not restricted to the borders of one country.”

Iranian Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli and Shaar signed a security agreement in Tehran on Monday.

Iran, Syria and Iraq plan to hold a trilateral summit in Baghdad next week to coordinate efforts against terrorists.

“Some terrorist groups cross between Iraq and Syria and if they are going to be confronted with to be rooted out there should be regional cooperation and we are happy that the interior ministers of Iraq, Syria and Iran have reached the conclusion to hold a joint meeting in Baghdad so that through interaction and cooperation of the three countries we can win over terrorism which have been created” by arrogant powers and their allies in the region, said Velayati who served as Iranian foreign minister in the 1980s and 1990s.

Velayati also said if any of the regional countries remain passive in the fight against terrorists “finally the flames of the fire of terrorism” will engulf them.

Velayati said regional cooperation is required to root out terrorism.

The physician-turned politician also praised cooperation between the Syrian government and Syrian Kurds in fight against Daesh, saying the Syrian Kurds strongly defend their country’s territorial integrity.

------Any nuclear agreement should be ratified by Majlis-----

Commenting on nuclear talks between Iran and the 5+1 group (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany), he said that Iran supports talks.

He expressed hope that an agreement that safeguards Iran’s nuclear rights would be reached.

He also said that signing any nuclear agreement and protocols by Iran should be approved by parliament.

“The joining of Iran to any protocol should be approved by Majlis,” the veteran politician noted in reference to the Additional Protocol to the NPT.

NA/PA