On behalf of the Syrian nation and government, al-Assad extended his heartfelt congratulation to Rohani for “winning the hearts and minds” of millions of Iranian people.

Assad underlined Syria’s resolution to strengthen friendly ties with Tehran and called for full-fledged cooperation with the Islamic Republic, vowing to fight war conspiracy, hegemony and breach of national sovereignty in the region.

Turmoil has gripped Syria since March 2011, and many people, including large numbers of Syrian security forces, have been killed in the unrest.

Damascus says the United States and its allies are seeking to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad by supporting armed terrorist groups operating in Syria.

“Rohani’s victory plays substantial role in bilateral, regional and international relations,” Assad said, referring to strong long-time ties between Tehran and Damascus.

Floods of congratulatory messages poured into the Islamic Republic after Hassan Rohani, former chief of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and top nuclear negotiator was declared as the Iranian president-elect.

Rohani won more than 18 million votes, a large margin from Tehran Mayor Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf, the second candidate in rank who won more than 6 million votes.

Leaders from European and Arab states congratulated Rohani’s landslide victory.