
In a bid to strengthen ties between the two nations, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa met with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein in Damascus yesterday, discussing ways to enhance bilateral relations and expand cooperation in key sectors.
According to official sources, the two officials held talks at the Presidential Palace in the Syrian capital, where they explored opportunities for joint ventures in various fields, including economy, trade, and energy. It is understood that they also deliberated on the possibility of increased cultural exchange and people-to-people interaction between the two countries.
The high-level meeting also touched upon regional and international developments, with both sides stressing the need for closer coordination in addressing shared challenges. They reportedly exchanged views on the current situation in the Middle East, with a focus on common issues affecting the region, such as terrorism, security, and counter-terrorism.
In a statement following the meeting, the Syrian state news agency SANA quoted President al-Sharaa as saying that the relations between Syria and Iraq are “strong and strategic” and that the two countries have a shared vision on regional and international issues. He added that the meeting was an important step towards strengthening cooperation and solidarity between the two nations.
For his part, Foreign Minister Hussein expressed Iraq’s commitment to enhancing ties with its neighboring countries, including Syria, and emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in countering common threats. He noted that Iraq and Syria share extensive historical, cultural, and economic ties, and that the current visit aimed to further cement these relations.
The meeting comes at a time when both countries face common challenges, including the ongoing impact of international sanctions and the struggle against terrorist groups. Analysts have welcomed the development, saying that increased cooperation between Iraq and Syria would be beneficial for regional stability and security.
The visit is seen as a significant step in the ongoing efforts to strengthen ties between Iraq and Syria, which share a long and porous border. The meeting is also expected to pave the way for further diplomatic efforts between the two nations and other regional players.
In related news, Syria has been seeking to rebuild its economy and infrastructure following a decade-long conflict, while Iraq has been working to stabilize its own economy and deal with the aftermath of the devastating effects of ISIS on its territory.
