Iran, Syria, Iraq to coordinate efforts against terror

Iran, Iraq and Syria will meet in the Iraqi capital Baghdad soon to discuss how they can effectively fight terror, Iranian Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli said on Monday.

The upcoming tripartite meeting is expected to coordinate their efforts in fighting violence, extremism and terrorism in the region, Fazli said at a joint press conference with visiting Syrian Interior Minister Muhammad Ibrahim al-Sha'ar, official IRNA news agency reported.

The terrorists of Islamic State (IS) militant group have distorted the image of Islam and, in collaboration with the West, the US and their regional allies, have posed challenges to the unity among Muslims, Fazil said.

Iran and Syria signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday to exchange expertise in security issues and campaigns against illicit drug smuggling and human trafficking, according to the report.

Al Sha'ar arrived in Tehran on Sunday to hold talks with senior Iranian officials on anti-terror cooperation.

Terrorism is common enemy of Iran and Syria, and the battle against all types of terrorism requires firm determination of the two countries, Al Sha'ar said upon arrival in Tehran.

The Syrian minister was also scheduled to meet Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani.

Iran has vowed "unlimited" support for Syria in its fight against rebels who aim to overthrow the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

"The Iranian government and nation will remain with the Syrian government and nation to the end of the road," Rouhani said earlier this month.