Syrian foreign minister in visit to Baghdad, meeting key political figures

BAGHDAD — Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani visited Iraq on Friday in the first trip to Iraq  by a Syrian foreign minister since the fall of Bashar Al-Assad. During high-level meetings with Iraqi leaders, discussions centered on strengthening bilateral relations, counterterrorism cooperation, Syria’s reconstruction, and regional security. Iraqi officials reaffirmed their support for Syria’s territorial integrity and emphasized the need for continued political and security coordination. The visit marks a step toward restoring diplomatic engagement between Baghdad and Damascus.

Al-Shibani met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani in Baghdad, where they discussed strengthening political and security cooperation, Syria’s reconstruction, and regional stability.

Full Statement by Al-Sudani’s office:

Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani met today with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Syrian Arab Republic, Mr. Asaad Al-Shibani.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Al-Sudani reaffirmed Iraq’s firm and consistent stance in respecting the will of the Syrian people in all their diversity and emphasized Iraq’s commitment to Syria’s security and stability, recognizing its direct impact on regional stability. The discussion also highlighted the importance of maintaining ongoing political and security consultations between the two countries.

Prime Minister Al-Sudani stressed the need for an inclusive political process that safeguards Syria’s diversity and social cohesion. He also emphasized the importance of respecting the religious and cultural beliefs of all segments of Syrian society and firmly rejected any violations or attacks against any community.

Prime Minister Al-Sudani reiterated Iraq’s support for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, rejecting any external interference in Syrian affairs, particularly in light of the ongoing occupation of Syrian lands by the Zionist entity’s forces.

Prime Minister Al-Sudani expressed Iraq’s readiness to contribute to Syria’s reconstruction efforts and provide all necessary support in this regard. He further highlighted the need for close coordination in combating terrorism, as a crucial step toward achieving stability, advancing Syria’s rebuilding process, and countering sectarian rhetoric.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein also met with Al-Shibani, where they discussed strengthening security cooperation, counterterrorism efforts, and economic relations between the two countries. The meeting, held at the Foreign Ministry headquarters, was also attended by National Security Advisor Qasim Al-Araji and National Intelligence Service Chief Hamid Al-Shatri.

During the talks, Hussein underscored the need to establish a five-member operations room involving Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Turkey, and Lebanon to coordinate counterterrorism strategies.

Full statement by Iraqi Foreign Ministry:

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.

The Syrian Foreign Ministry released only photos of the visit without issuing an official readout.

Iraqi Speaker of Parliament Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani met with Al-Shibani to discuss strengthening ties between Iraq and Syria, enhancing security coordination, and addressing regional challenges. During the meeting, Al-Mashhadani emphasized the importance of revitalizing relations between the two countries, respecting good neighborly principles, and avoiding interference in internal affairs.

Full statement from Speaker of Parliament’s office:

Speaker of Parliament Dr. Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani received today, Friday, the Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani.

The meeting discussed the fraternal bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries and ways to strengthen the ties between them in a manner that aligns with the nature of the current phase.

The Speaker of Parliament emphasized the necessity of revitalizing relations between the two brotherly countries, respecting good neighborly relations, and refraining from interfering in the internal affairs of any country.

His Excellency stressed the need to enhance security cooperation between Iraq and Syria in order to eliminate extremist terrorist organizations such as ISIS and to increase security coordination between Baghdad and Damascus in line with the nature of the challenges facing the current phase.

The two sides also exchanged views on many political and economic issues.