President Al-Assad, Iraqi Prime Minister hold Press Conference

Damascus – President Bashar Al-Assad and the Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia Al-Sudani held a press conference following their talks in Damascus on Sunday.

President Al-Assad welcomed the Iraqi Prime Minister, stressing the importance of Al-Sudani’s visit which reflects the deep-rooted relations between the two brotherly peoples.

He said that the visit is of great importance for taking practical steps to strengthen bilateral relations, especially in the light of the current international circumstances and common challenges, mainly confronting terrorism which continues to be active due to international western support.”

“Iraq has offered the most precious thing that could be offered, and the battlefields in the two countries have been united in the confrontation of terrorist organizations,” the president added.

President Al-Assad saluted the Iraqi Army and the Popular Mobilization Forces which cooperated with their brothers in the Syrian Arab Army and the backup forces and achieved major victories over terrorist organizations following great sacrifices.

During the erathquake crisis in Syria, the Iraqi people was a real brother and the Iraqis, as individuals and groups, rushed both spontaneously and in organized way, to provide assistance to their Syrian brothers.

The president pointed out that the recent positive developments in the Arab region didn’t suit international chaos makers who moved immediately to undermine these achievements. “This requires further bilateral cooperation or collective cooperation through the regional blocs or the Arab League with the aim of maintaining what has been achieved”, he said.

This visit will be a qualitative and effective step in enhancing the brotherly relations between Syria and Iraq. It is a chance to launch these relations in an effective way as it comes in the light of the improvement of the Arab situation on the one hand and while Iraq is regaining its effective Arab and regional role on the other.

For his part, Al-Sudani thanked President Al-Assad for the invitation to visit Syria.

He said that security and stability in the two countries require further coordination in order to face common challenges.’

He added “permanent coordination between the two countries is the best way to face common challenges, especially terrorism, drugs trafficking and water shortages.”

Al-Sudani affirmed Iraq’s firm position in support of Syria’s unity and sovereignty, pointing out that Iraq’s security means Syria’s security.

He clarified that Iraq is working with all countries that support stability for achieving Syria’s economic recovery, as this serves Iraq’s interest, stressing that Iraq will not leave Syria alone.

Al-Sudani expressed pride in the position of the Syrian people and leadership in the confrontation of the challenges they faced during the past years.”

He also called for lifting the Western coercive measures imposed on Syria, which exacerbate the suffering of the Syrian people.”

O. Al Mohammad/ Hamda Mustafa