Assad welcomes Iran's support to Syrian reconstruction

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad Wednesday lauded Iran's readiness to help with the reconstruction process in Syria, media reported.

Assad made the remarks during his meeting with the visiting head of the Iranian-Syrian Economic Relations Development Committee Rostam Qasemi and the accompanying delegation, Xinhua reported citing the state-run SANA news agency.

Assad said the Syrian people welcomes Iran's contribution to the reconstruction process along with other "friendly" countries.

The president further affirmed Syria's commitment to boosting economic cooperation and coordination with Iran to "match the level of their political and historical relations".

For his part, Qasemi said the Iranian leadership is committed to working with Syria to bolster its steadfastness, adding that Iran is prepared to offer its expertise to help Syria in the issue of reconstruction.

Iran has emerged as a main ally of the Syrian administration during the country's long-running conflict.

The reconstruction process in Syria will cost around $165 billion and is expected to be more difficult with the prolonged crisis entering its fourth year.

On Monday, Assad told the newly-formed Syrian government that countering terrorism and reconstruction are the challenges of the next phase.