DUBAI: Iraq’s Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and his Syrian counterpart Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani spoke telephonically on Monday to discuss various issues, including the ongoing threat posed by Daesh along the two nations’ shared border, the Iraqi News Agency reported.
Hussein, who is also Iraq’s deputy prime minister, emphasized the importance of enhanced cooperation to counter the danger posed by the group. Al-Shaibani confirmed Syria’s readiness to coordinate efforts to confront terrorist groups.
This call follows discussions between Iraq’s intelligence chief, Hamid Al-Shatri, and Syrian officials during a recent visit to Damascus, the INA reported.
Hussein also congratulated Al-Shaibani on his new role as Syria’s top envoy. He further praised the Syrian government’s efforts to safeguard Iraq’s diplomatic mission in Damascus.
He reiterated Iraq’s commitment to resume all functions of the mission, while Al-Shaibani underlined Syria’s aim to strengthen ties between the two nations.
Meanwhile, Nouri Al-Maliki, the head of Iraq’s State of Law Coalition, reiterated his nation’s foreign policy, stating that “Iraq does not help divide Syria and does not interfere in its affairs.”
Al-Maliki highlighted the broader regional implications of instability in Syria, including the potential threats to neighboring nations and the Palestinian cause.
He further called for political unity within Iraq and collaboration with various factions, including the Sadrist movement, to bolster the country’s internal stability.
Al-Maliki also discussed ongoing efforts to amend Iraq’s election law after the legislative recess and emphasized the importance of maintaining state control over armed groups, including the Popular Mobilization Forces, to bolster national security.
These developments underscore the deepening of Iraqi-Syrian relations and the commitment of both nations to addressing common challenges while reinforcing regional stability, the INA reported.
