Damascus:Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi has emphasized the importance of strengthening the strategic partnership and expanding bilateral cooperation between Iraq and Syria across various sectors.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, 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 highlighted the concept of Iraqis and Syrians as ‘one people in two countries,’ stressing the necessity to advance their partnership and cooperation specifically in economic and social fields. He also underscored the significance of enhancing security cooperation and coordinating on regional and international matters to foster peace and stability in the region.

President al-Sharaa expressed gratitude for al-Zaidi’s visit, reaffirming the strong bilateral relations and Syria’s commitment to achieving high levels of cooperation with Iraq.

The talks also addressed several mutual interests, including the potential export of Iraqi crude oil through the Baniyas pipeline, which has a stated capacity of up to two million barrels per day. Discussions further included expanding bilateral trade and joint efforts to develop the agricultural sector for enhanced food and economic integration between the nations.