DUSHANBE , July 30, 2008, Asia-Plus - Tension in the Mideast region requires active cooperation between Iran and Syria , the Iranian parliament speaker said Tuesday.

" Iran is committed to developing all-round cooperation with Syria . The sensitive situation that has evolved in the region requires a deepening of this cooperation, as well as consultations between our countries on a broad range of issues," Ali Larijani told visiting Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem.

The Iranian official said Damascus and Tehran had good potential for deepening bilateral ties in the political, trade and economic realms.

" Iran and Syria are two important countries in the Islamic world, which play a significant role in standing up to the threats faced by the followers of Islam," he said.

Moallem, attending the 15th Non-Aligned Movement ministerial meeting in Tehran , said Syria attached "great importance" to developing relations with the Islamic Republic.

Iran and Syria have repeatedly declared the strategic nature of their bilateral relations, as well as their readiness to counter external threats through concerted efforts.

The United States and its allies accuse Tehran and Damascus of sponsoring terrorist groups in Iraq , as well as interfering in Lebanon ''s internal affairs.

The Non-Aligned Movement comprises 118 mostly poor or developing states which consider themselves not formally associated with or against any major power bloc. It includes nuclear powers India and Pakistan .