Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Receives Syrian Foreign Minister to Discuss Regional Security and Joint Coordination

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mr. Fuad Hussein received Syrian Foreign Minister Mr. Asaad Al Shaibani, at the headquarters of the Foreign Ministry on Friday 14 March 2025. The meeting was attended by National Security Advisor Mr. Qasim Al Araji and the head of National Intelligence Service Mr. Hamid Al Shatri.

During the meeting Minister Hussein emphasized the importance of building strong ties and clear understandings to strengthen joint action in the fight against Da’esh terrorist organization. In addition the Minister underlined the need to establish a five-member operations room that includes Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Turkey, and Lebanon to confront this organization. As well Minister Hussein pointed to the importance of enhancing military and intelligence coordination and full security cooperation among countries of the region.

Minister Hussein outlined that Da’esh represents a cross-border threat which requires effective regional cooperation, in addition the Minister affirmed that Iraq does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries but based on its experience it offers advice and warnings, given the deep historical ties between the Iraqi and Syrian peoples. Additionally he underlined that what is happening in Syria affects Iraq, especially since Syrian society like Iraqi society is characterized by pluralism and diversity.

The Minister expressed regret over the events that occurred on the coastal region of Syria and indicated its impact on Iraqis. Minister Hussein called for avoiding hate speech which has serious repercussions, emphasizing that national affiliation must be the basic unifying factor and that the state’s responsibility is to impose security and stability. Furthermore the Minister reiterated Iraq’s support for the agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

On his part, Minister Al Shaibani affirmed his country’s keenness to develop bilateral relations with Iraq, commending Iraq’s experience in confronting security challenges. The Syrian Foreign Minister indicated that the violations that occurred on the Syrian coastal region had a profound effect on the Syrian government, emphasizing the importance of respecting diversity in Syria and rejecting any acts of violence. 

Additionally, Minister Al Shaibani emphasized Syria’s readiness to form joint security committees and benefit from the expertise of neighboring countries in combating terrorism, underscoring the existence of absolute political will to strengthen relations between Baghdad and Damascus. 

In addition he pointed out that the understanding with the SDF could contribute to controlling the border between the two countries, and that reopening the border crossings would contribute to revitalizing the region’s economy. 

In a related context, Minister Fuad Hussein emphasized that the Syrian community in Iraq is highly respected and regarded, commending Syria’s role in caring for the Iraqi community, as well the Minister referred to the Iraqi community in Syria and Iraqi visitors, emphasizing the importance of protecting religious shrines. 

The two sides agreed on the need to study the proposal to establish a joint Iraqi-Syrian coordination council between the two countries in the near future to enhance bilateral cooperation in various security, political, and economic fields.