Publish Date: 18 March 2009 - 13:11

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem said on Monday that Damascus’ relations with Tehran will remain strong.

The minister’s comments were directed at certain Arab countries which hope to peal Syria away from its Persian ally.

Al-Moallem described Syria's relationship with Iran as "excellent" during a joint press conference in Damascus with Arab League Chief Amr Moussa, the Jerusalem Post reported on its website.

Several days ago Saudi Arabia hosted the leaders of Syria, Egypt and Kuwait in a move aimed at persuading Damascus to distance itself from Tehran.

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki has started a tour of regional Arab countries to insist that Tehran is a friend of Arab countries.

PA/PA

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MNA