Iraq, Syria Stress Stronger Bilateral Cooperation, Discuss Oil Exports and Trade

Baghdad (NINA) — Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi has underscored the importance of strengthening the strategic partnership and expanding bilateral cooperation between Iraq and Syria across various sectors.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Media Office, al-Zaidi and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa co-chaired an expanded round of talks between delegations from the two countries in Damascus on Wednesday.

Al-Zaidi described the Iraqi and Syrian peoples as “one people in two countries,” emphasizing the need to advance bilateral partnership and joint cooperation, particularly in the economic and social fields. He also highlighted the importance of enhancing security cooperation, coordinating positions on regional and international issues, and working collectively to promote peace and stability across the region.

For his part, President al-Sharaa expressed his appreciation for al-Zaidi’s visit and the accompanying delegation, reaffirming the depth of bilateral relations and Syria’s commitment to achieving the highest levels of cooperation with Iraq.

The talks also addressed several issues of mutual interest, including the potential export of Iraqi crude oil through the Baniyas pipeline, with a stated export capacity of up to two million barrels per day. The discussions further focused on expanding bilateral trade and strengthening joint efforts to develop the agricultural sector in pursuit of greater food and economic integration between the two countries./ End