Iraqi, Syrian foreign ministers discuss border security, ISIS threats

BAGHDAD — Iraqi Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein held a phone call with Syria’s newly appointed foreign minister, Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani, on Monday, emphasizing that the “stability and security of both countries are interconnected.”

Hussein congratulated Al-Shaibani on his new role and praised his “attention to the Iraqi diplomatic mission in Damascus” and the Syrian side’s efforts in protecting it. He reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to returning all diplomatic mission members to Syria to resume their work.

The two ministers discussed recent ISIS activity along their shared border, with Hussein stressing the importance of “enhancing cooperation and coordination to confront these threats.” Al-Shaibani expressed Syria’s “full readiness to coordinate with Iraq” in countering these groups, according to a statement from Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This phone call follows a recent visit by an Iraqi delegation, led by Intelligence Chief Hamid Al-Shatri, to meet Ahmed Al-Shara, head of Syria’s new administration, a visit that has sparked mixed reactions among Iraqi political leaders.

Statement from Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Fuad Hussein, held a phone call on Monday, December 30, 2024, with the newly appointed Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani.

Mr. Fuad Hussein began the call by congratulating Mr. Al-Shaibani on assuming his duties as the Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs, praising his attention to the Iraqi diplomatic mission in Damascus. He also expressed his appreciation for the Syrian side’s efforts in protecting the mission, affirming Iraq’s commitment to returning all mission members to Damascus to resume their work.

During the call, the two ministers discussed issues of mutual interest and affirmed that the stability and security of both countries are interconnected. Minister Al-Shaibani pointed out that Iraq’s security and safety are an integral part of Syria’s security and safety.

Mr. Fuad Hussein also addressed the recent movements of ISIS elements along the shared border, stressing the importance of enhancing cooperation and coordination to confront these threats. In response, Minister Al-Shaibani affirmed Syria’s full readiness to coordinate with Iraq to combat these groups and prevent them from threatening the security of both countries.

At the conclusion of the call, Mr. Fuad Hussein praised the fruitful discussions held by the head of the Iraqi Intelligence Service, Mr. Hamid Al-Shatri, with the Syrian side during his recent visit to Damascus.