Syrian Defence Minister begins Iran visit

Damascus, 12 June (AKI) - Syrian defence minister Hasan Turkamani began a four-day visit to Iran on Monday, accompanied by a high level military delegation. Turkmani's trip which is expected to focus on regional issues including the war in Iraq, follows an invitation by Iran's defence minister Mostafa Mohammad Najar. European diplomatic sources say they believe military co-operation between Damascus and Tehran is "growing" and will in fact be the main topic discussed by Turkamani in his meetings with Iranian leaders.

According to the same diplomatic sources, last week Iran sent Syria a consignment of four military destroyer ships.

The dispatch of the destroyers followed Iranian foreign minister Manuchehr Mottaki's visit to Damascus last month in which he held discussions with top Syrian officials, including President Basher al-Assad.