Iraq-Syria, intensify cooperation to face common challenges

Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani called for further strengthening of cooperation with Syria to address shared challenges, noting that the two countries' security and stability are two factors favoring greater unity in addressing these issues. Sudani made the remarks at a joint news conference with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus. The sides discussed several topics including how to secure the shared border and strengthen economic ties. "Iraq and Syria are bound to each other and have common relationships. To address the challenges Iraq and Syria are facing, coordination is needed," he said. “The key to the region's security and stability is a good economic situation. … [Our] military has proven strong against the terrorists. We and Syria are facing shared challenges,” he added.

Al-Sudani, who arrived on an official visit to Syria on Sunday, was received by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian leader's office said in a statement. In early June, al-Sudani's press service reported that Assad had invited the Iraqi prime minister to visit Syria. "In an official reception ceremony at the Presidential Palace, President Bashar al-Assad received Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who arrived in Syria on an official visit at the head of the delegation," Assad's office said. According to the statement, Assad and the Iraqi prime minister talked about bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields, as well as issues of mutual interest.