Zaidi sends message to Syrian president on security and economic cooperation

BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi sent a message to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Wednesday stressing the importance of strengthening bilateral relations and expanding coordination on regional security and economic challenges.

The message was delivered by Iraqi National Intelligence Service chief Hamid al-Shatri during a visit to Syria. It emphasized “ways to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries, in a manner that raises the level of bilateral coordination to confront the crises and challenges witnessed by the region in the security and economic fields, within the framework of common interests,” according to al-Zaidi’s media office.

Sharaa thanked al-Zaidi and the Iraqi government and reaffirmed Syria’s commitment to cooperating with Iraq “to confront the common challenges imposed by recent events in the region,” stressing the importance of strengthening ties particularly in security and economic fields.

Iraq and Syria have gradually expanded contacts since the political transition in Damascus. In April 2025, then-Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani met Sharaa in Doha in their first publicly announced meeting. Days later, a high-level Iraqi delegation led by al-Shatri traveled to Damascus for talks on border security, counterterrorism, trade and energy, including discussions on reviving an Iraqi oil export pipeline through Syrian territory.

Iraq reopened the Al-Qaim border crossing with Syria in June 2025 after months of closure, resuming trade and passenger traffic. Officials from both sides have since emphasized cooperation on border security, preventing the movement of extremist groups and expanding commercial exchange, while Baghdad has repeatedly expressed support for Syria’s stability and territorial integrity.

The two countries share a lengthy border and have maintained security coordination in recent years, particularly to prevent Islamic State militants from exploiting remote border areas. Iraqi officials have frequently described Syrian stability as a key component of Iraq’s broader security strategy.