Iran’s Foreign Minister visits Algeria over Syrian, Gulf Crisis

Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif arrived Sunday in the Algerian capital for a two-day visit to discuss crises in the Gulf littoral states, namely the Syrian and Qatar-Gulf disputes.

Shortly after arrival, Zarfif met with his counterpart Abdelkader Messahel, Iranian online media Iran Front Page repots.

The Iranian official’s talks with Algerian authorities will focus on the Syrian civil war and the crisis between Qatar and its neighbors, the media said citing Bahram Qassemi, the Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson.

“Regional developments necessitate further solidarity among Muslim countries, and the Islamic Republic of Iran believes that Islamic states should be more united and convergent in countering ill-wishers and those who seek to cause rift [between Muslims],”Qassemi said.

It is not clear whether Zarif will meet with ailing President Bouteflika who has been making rare public appearances due to his deteriorating health condition since he suffered a stroke in 2013.

The Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in March cancelled a state-visit to Algiers over Bouteflika’s unstable health condition.

Iran supports the Syrian regime and has been engaged in the Syrian crisis on the side of Russia.

On Qatar-Gulf crisis, Tehran has called for dialogue between Gulf nations. Iran sent tons of food stocks to Qatar after Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt imposed air and sea blockades against the tiny gas-rich Gulf state.

Saudi Arabia and its allies on June 5 severed ties with Doha on terrorism funding charges.

Algiers also took a neutral stance on the issue while calling for dialogue.