Al-Moallem’s Talks in Baghdad Stress Need for More Strategic Coordination in Fight against Terrorism

 BAGHDAD, (ST)-Deputy Premier, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Walid Al-Moallem on Thursday visited the Iraqi Capital Baghdad at the invitation of his counterpart Ibrahim al-Jaafari. He held talks with Iraqi President Fuad Masum, Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi and Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari.  

During his meeting with President Masum, al-Moallem conveyed to the Iraqi leadership and people President Al-Assad’s greetings and best wishes to triumph in their battle against terrorism.

Al-Moallem talked about the latest developments in Syria and the region, stressing the Syrian people’s determination to keep steadfast and press ahead with fighting terrorism to foil the conspiracy in which several countries in the region and the world, including Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, have taken part.

 The minister affirmed that Iraq and Syria stand in the same trench in the confrontation of a common enemy and challenge.

Masum Urges more anti-terror cooperation

The Iraqi President, on his part, expressed his full confidence in the inevitable victory of the Syrian and Iraqi peoples over terrorism, urging more joint  efforts to eliminate the terrorists and their sleeper cells everywhere and to prevent the spread of extremism and violence.

President Masum, who asserted the deeply-rooted fraternal relations between Syria and Iraq, asked al-Moallem to convey his greetings to President Al-Assad and his wishes that the Syrian people will restore security and stability soon.

Al-Moallem also held talks with the Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on the need to consolidate cooperation and coordination in all fields, including trade exchange and counter-terrorism.    

Syria’s top diplomat stressed that the Iraqi people’s victory over terrorism in Fallujah, and hopefully in Mosul, is a victory for the Syrian people and for all who seek fighting terrorism in words and deeds.

On his part, al-Abadi said “Deash” terrorist organization is a project baked and funded by many parties for own political agendas, but these parties have finally realized the danger that may threaten them as a result of this project’s expansion.

Al-Abadi hailed the victories being achieved by the Syrian Arab Army in the battle against terrorism.

Syria is on its way to achieve victory

In his meeting with his counterpart Ibrahim al-Jaafari, al-Moallem said Syria is on its way to achieve victory, pointing out that the conspiracy on Iraq and Syria and on their key role in the region is not over. He urged  more strategic Syrian-Iraqi coordination that draws up better future for both countries.

The Iraqi minister, on his part, affirmed the deeply rooted relations between the two countries, noting that Iraq never forgets Syria’s support for the Iraqi people within the time of crises. 

“Iraq and its leadership will continue to supporting Syria in the ongoing crisis,” al-Jaafari said, urging more coordination in all domains.

According to al-Jaafari, most countries of the world have begun to realize the Syrian stance and the reality of events in Syria and the truth that the Syrian people is paying terrorism bill as it is fighting terrorism on behalf of the entire world.

He hoped that Syria will surpass the crisis and manage to restore security and stability nationwide.

Syria, Iraq in the same trench to defend their people against takfiri terrorism

In a press conference following talks, al-Moallem said Syria and Iraq are standing together in the same trench to defend their people against hateful takfiri terrorism.

He hailed the victory achieved by the Iraqi army, Popular Mobilization forces (Hashd al-Shaabi) and people in Fallujah and hoped that similar victory will be achieved in Mosul, noting that the Iraqis’ victory is a triumph for the Syrian people as well.

Al-Moallem pointed out that he and his Iraqi counterpart held talks on the situation in Syria and the Syrian people’s struggle against terrorism with all its forms and names.

On his part, al-Jaafari said Iraq is keen on having very strong relations with Syria and other Arab countries, noting that the best way for countries of the region to face terrorist challenges is to keep united and be engaged in building their economy and in enhancing their diplomacy and political life after getting rid of the takfiri terrorism which hit the entire region.

In a statement to the Syrian TV, Minister al-Moallem said “the leaderships of both countries are determined to continue boosting cooperation in all domains.”

Earlier in the day, al-Moallem arrived in the Iraqi capital Baghdad on a visit to Iraq at the invitation of his Iraqi counterpart Ibrahim al-Jaafari to hold talks with Iraqi officials on the situation in Syria, regional developments and issues of common interest.

Hamda Mustafa