Iraqi PM Al-Zaidi Heads to Damascus for Strategic Partnership Talks

Ali Falih Al-Zaidi, the Iraqi Prime Minister, is traveling to Damascus at the head of a large ministerial delegation. The visit aims to address vital files that include strengthening cooperation between the two neighboring countries.

Iraqi media outlets confirmed the prime minister’s arrival in the Syrian capital on Wednesday. He leads a high-level delegation intended to accelerate bilateral relations and examine shared strategic issues. Key topics on the agenda include the management of water resources, collaboration in the oil sector, and the development of commercial exchange.

Syrian President Highlights Historical Opportunity

In an exclusive interview with Iraq’s Dijlah channel on Tuesday evening, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa discussed the strategic dimensions of this visit. He emphasized that Syria and Iraq currently face a "historical opportunity" to enhance joint cooperation and restore sovereign decision-making in the region.

Al-Sharaa stressed the necessity of building upon this moment to establish two strong states capable of protecting their interests and achieving development. His remarks included calls for unifying military decision-making under state authority, combating corruption, and expanding economic cooperation avenues.

Borders Secure and ISIS Threat Minimal

The Syrian president addressed security matters, confirming that the Syrian-Iraqi borders are fully secure due to continuous and joint coordination between both sides. He noted that threats linked to the "ISIS" organization have reached their lowest levels.

According to al-Sharaa, there are currently no organizations posing a danger that threatens either country. This assessment underscores the stability achieved through recent bilateral security efforts.

Social Ties Over Sectarian Views

Describing the nature of relations between Damascus and Baghdad, al-Sharaa stated that Syria does not view Iraq through a sectarian lens. Instead, he highlighted deep social and historical commonalities connecting the two nations.

He explained that Baghdad’s policies toward Syria have been positive since the return of stability, despite attempts by some parties to impose different positions. Reflecting on his own history, the president recalled leaving prison in Iraq in 2011 and returning to Syria.

"Syria's stability serves Iraq's interests, and vice versa," al-Sharaa said. "Our social relationship has remained healthy for years, and what unites us is far greater than what divides us. We have had enough wars and conflicts."

Syria as Iraq’s Western Gateway

Concluding his remarks, the Syrian president underscored the importance of Syria’s geographic location. He described the country as the maritime front and strategic outlook for Iraq toward the West.

Al-Sharaa stated, "We consider ourselves the main gateway for exporting Iraqi oil to the Mediterranean Sea." This perspective frames Syria’s role as critical to Iraq’s energy export infrastructure.