The Iraq’s government spokesperson, Basem Al-Awadi
Monitor
Government spox: Iraq seeks ‘serious cooperation’ with Syria
BAGHDAD — The timeline for the ‘withdrawal’ of international coalition forces from Iraq remains unchanged, government spokesperson Basem Al-Awadi told state-owned Al-Sabah newspaper.
The U.S.-led international coalition mission against the Islamic State group in Iraq is set to conclude by the end of 2025, Washington and Baghdad announced in a joint statement in September 2024. The latest comments come following media speculation that regime change in Syria may see the withdrawal delayed.
Al-Awadi also emphasized Iraq’s approach to its relations with Syria, stating that Baghdad has welcomed engagement with Damascus while maintaining a policy of non-interference. “The most important aspect is Iraq’s serious decision not to interfere in Syrian affairs, to accept the new Syrian equation, and to recognize the choices of the Syrian people and their new administration,” he said.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani is set to visit Baghdad, following an official invitation from the Iraqi government. The exact time of the visit is not known. This visit will mark the first official trip by a high-ranking official from Syria’s new leadership to Iraq since the fall of the Bashar Al-Assad regime.
Al-Awadi’s statement to Al-Sabah newspaper:
The agreed timelines between Iraq and the international coalition forces, as issued by the High Military Committee, remain in place and have not undergone any changes so far.
Iraq and its government were proactive in engaging with the new Syrian reality, and Baghdad has expressed signs of welcome and readiness for cooperation.
The most important aspect is Iraq’s serious decision not to interfere in Syrian affairs, to accept the new Syrian equation, and to recognize the choices of the Syrian people and their new administration.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani will visit Baghdad to enhance diplomatic relations between the two neighboring brotherly countries, while Iraqi Foreign Minister Dr. Fuad Hussein announced that Iraq will extend an invitation to Ahmed Al-Shar’a to attend the Arab Summit in Baghdad.
Baghdad preferred to wait out of consideration for some Arab countries until their concerns became clearer and until the Syrian administration established the key features of its institutions to take on its role. Developments in this direction have occurred over the past weeks, and the Syrian Foreign Minister’s visit to Baghdad aims to achieve the desired goal as a starting point for establishing new relations based on cooperation and mutual respect. The visit will also cover a range of important issues concerning both countries.
Iraq seeks serious cooperation between the governments of the two neighboring brotherly countries, which have great opportunities in various economic, investment, and security fields, among others.
