Syrian, Iraqi Top Diplomats Discuss Cooperation in Fight against Terrorism, Reopening Border Crossings
DAMASCUS, (ST)- Deputy Premier, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Walid al-Moallem and the Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari, during a meeting on Sunday, discussed coordinating the Syrian-Iraqi counter-terrorism efforts and focused on the shift in the stances of several countries as a result of the latest developments in Syria and the region.
The two sides exchanged view points on different regional and international issues and stressed boosting cooperation, fraternity and deep historical geographical links between the two countries.
They concentrate on the need to speed up reopening the border crossings between Syria and Iraq given the move’s importance in facilitating goods and passenger movement and in enhancing the steadfastness of the two countries in the face of challenges.
Al-Moallem talked about developments in Syria, affirming the determination of the Syrian people to continue its war on terrorist organizations until the entire Syrian territory is liberated from terrorism.
He reiterated that Syria is writing the last chapter in the crisis and it is proceeding towards final victory.
He hailed Iraq’s solidarity with and support for Syria at Arab and international forums in the confrontation of the terrorist war, asserting that the two countries are in the same trench facing the same enemy and challenges.
He urged strategic Syrian-Iraqi coordination to draw up better future for the peoples of the two countries.
On his part, al-Jarafari said Iraq, as a leadership and people, will never forget what Syria has offered to the Iraqi people within the crises that faced their country. He affirmed that Iraq will continue supporting Syria and is willing to enhance coordination and cooperation at the highest level and to establish stronger economic and trade ties.
He pointed out that countries of the region and the world have started to understand the Syrian stance and the reality of events in Syria as well as the fact that the Syrian people are paying the bill of fighting terrorism on behalf of the world.
The Iraq’s al-Jaafari is on a three-day visit to the Syrian Arab Republic at the invitation of al-Maollem.
The Iraqi top diplomat, who arrived in Damascus today morning, is to hold talks with senior state officials aiming to boost bilateral relations between Syria and Iraq and to discuss regional and international issues of common interest.
Al-Jaafari was welcomed at Damascus International Airport by minister al-Moallem as well as by a number of foreign ministry officials and the Iraqi Ambassador in Damascus.
Hamda Mustafa