Damascus:Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaidi is traveling to Damascus today, leading a high-level ministerial delegation to discuss vital issues with Syrian officials. The discussions will focus on enhancing cooperation between the two nations.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the visit aims to develop bilateral relations and address key shared concerns. These include the management of water resources, cooperation in the oil sector, and the expansion of trade between Iraq and Syria.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa highlighted the strategic significance of this visit in a press interview on Tuesday evening. He emphasized that both Syria and Iraq have a “historic opportunity” to strengthen their cooperation and reclaim sovereign decision-making within the region. President al-Sharaa stressed the importance of building strong states capable of protecting their national interests and achieving development.

President al-Sharaa also confirmed that the security situation along the Syrian-Iraqi border is secure due to coordinated efforts between the two nations. He noted that threats from the “Islamic State” (ISIS) have diminished significantly, and there are currently no organizations posing a significant danger to either country. Additionally, he emphasized the non-sectarian nature of the relationship between Damascus and Baghdad, highlighting their shared social and historical ties.

Furthermore, President al-Sharaa recalled his personal experience of being released from prison in Iraq in 2011 and returning to Syria, emphasizing the mutual interests of stability between the two nations. He concluded by noting Syria’s geographical importance as Iraq’s maritime gateway and strategic window to the West, serving as a conduit for exporting Iraqi oil to the Mediterranean.