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Late on June 3, Syria’s Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad arrived in Iraq for talks with senior officials, including Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani.
The visit comes weeks after the Arab League agreed to readmit Syria to the 22-member bloc. Iraq was one of a very few Arab countries that maintained relations with Syria after the outbreak of the war.
During a press conference with Mekdad in Baghdad on June 4, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein emphasized that the Iraqi-Syrian relations are deep and historical, stressing that their stance in “supporting Syria and standing by it is firm” and expressing pleasure over Syria’s return to the Arab League.
Hussein went on to point out that Syria, which was torn by over a decade of war, is currently facing a difficult humanitarian situation.
“We need to move at the regional and international levels to address it, and to facilitate access of humanitarian aid, and to secure conditions for the return of refugees,” the minister said.
From his side, Mekdad reaffirmed Syria’s commitment to making every effort to further mutual relations with Iraq in a way that would benefit both peoples.
“The talks were constructive and included boosting cooperation in all fields…Syria and Iraq stand together in facing all common challenges,” the minister said.
“We discussed joint efforts to counter terrorism, since what affects Syria affects Iraq and vice versa,” said Mekdad, adding that the West should not impose coercive economic sanctions on other states and that these sanctions have made the misery of the Syrian people worse and must be repealed.
The Syrian foreign minister also stressed that Syria’s participation in Arab League institutions will boost Arab action and restore the people’s faith in our ability to work together to overcome obstacles.
Mekdad is expected to hold a very important meeting with Iraqi PM Al Sudani in Baghdad before heading back to Damascus.
Iraq played a key role in Syria’s return to the Arab League and is now making efforts to step up cooperation with the country on all levels. According to recent reports, the two countries are now in talks to reactivate the strategic Kirkuk–Banias pipeline, which would allow Iraq to export its oil via Syrian ports.
