ISTANBUL
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani on Friday met with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani, affirming his country's "firm and consistent stance in respecting" the choices of the Syrian people.
Al-Sudani met Al-Shaibani in his office in Baghdad during which they discussed issues of mutual concern, according to a statement by his office.
The Iraqi premier emphasized Iraq’s commitment to Syria’s "security and stability, recognizing its direct impact on regional stability."
He also stressed "the importance of maintaining ongoing political and security consultations between the two countries," voicing readiness to contribute to Syria’s reconstruction efforts.
Al-Sudani affirmed his country's support for "Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, rejecting any external interference in Syrian affairs," particularly in light of the ongoing occupation of Syrian lands by Israel.
They also stressed the need for close coordination in counterterrorism, as "a crucial step toward achieving stability, advancing Syria’s rebuilding process, and countering sectarian rhetoric."
Despite heavy losses in the past few years, Daesh/ISIS terror group still maintains presence in both countries, especially in their border areas, and occasionally launches sporadic attacks.
Iraq is one of the few Arab countries that maintained relations with the former Syrian regime after it violently suppressed the 2011 uprising.
On Dec. 6, 2024, Baghdad hosted Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Syria’s then-foreign minister, Bassam Sabbagh, just two days before the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his subsequent flight to Russia. The meeting focused on security developments in Syria at that time.
However, following Assad's fall on Dec. 8, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani cautiously remarked in a press statement, “We are coordinating with Syria regarding border security and the return of refugees and are ready to offer support. We do not want Syria to become a hub for foreign conflicts.”
Hussein confirmed on Feb. 14 that “Iraq has no reservations or conditions for dealing with Syria's new leadership, only a set of opinions concerning Syria’s future, but the final decision lies with the Syrian people.”
Hussein also noted that Iraq plans to invite Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa to attend the Arab summit set to take place in Baghdad in May.