Local Editor

Syrian President al-Assad met the Chairman of the Iranian Shura Council's Foreign Policy and National Security Committee Alaeddin Boroujerdi on Thursday, one day after al-Assad was re-elected for a third seven-year term in office.

Al-Assad said the high turnout in presidential elections drives home a strong message to the West and the countries involved in the war against Syria.

"The Syrian citizens, who turned out in big numbers to have their say, have sent a strong message that the Syrian people are lively, forward-looking, and determined to manage their own affairs and decide their destiny," he said.

Al-Assad also reaffirmed commitment to the outcome of the election, saying that, "From now on the Western supporters of terrorist groups will gradually lose their power in Syria."

Furthermore, Al-Assad hailed the achievements of the Syrian people, applauding Iran's successes on many levels, especially as pertaining to its nuclear program, thanking Tehran's firm and unrelenting support for Syria against a terrorist war that has been on for over three years.

He expressed satisfaction over "positive changes" in many regional countries that serve to "make us more assured and confident about the future of the regions' nations."

For his part, Boroujerdi expressed joy over having the chance to observe the milestone elections.

"The Syrian people, through their participation in the vote, have painted an impeccable image, illustrating their loyalty to homeland and state against tough and extraordinary odds," he noted.

Boroujerdi is in Syria at the top of an Iranian parliamentary delegation who came, among other delegations from other countries, to observe the electoral process upon the invitation of the People's Assembly.

In a relevant contest, Al-Assad met a delegation of the Syrian citizens in the US who came to Syria to cast votes in the presidential elections. 

Al-Assad stated that determination of a number of Syrian expatriates to come to their homeland and take part in the electoral process affirms their deep belonging and loyalty to their homeland and assertion to help keep its decision-independence and sovereignty.

The meeting dealt with the Syrian community affairs in the US with al-Assad referring to the necessity of activating the role of Syrian citizens abroad and make use of their expertise to rebuild what has been destroyed by terrorism, in addition to their basic role represented by strengthening ties connecting their sons and the coming generations with Homeland.

Meanwhile, Al-Assad has been re-elected for a third seven-year term in office, by a landslide victory, having secured 88.7 percent of the vote that was held on June 3.

Sources: News Agencies, Edited by website team