Baghdad: The Prime Minister’s political advisor, Fadi Al-Shammari, emphasized Iraq’s significant role and influence in the Arab region, asserting that there is no external pressure to invite Ahmed al-Sharaa to the upcoming “Baghdad Summit”.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Shammari explained that the decision to engage with the new situation in Syria was made by the Coordination Framework and the State Administration Coalition, with the government authorized to implement it through its foreign relations powers. He highlighted that the Prime Minister’s recent unannounced visit to Qatar, where he met with Ahmed al-Sharaa in Doha, was conducted at the behest of the Council of Ministers. This visit aims to strengthen Iraq’s relations with neighboring countries, recognizing the shared border of over 650 kilometers with Syria and the need to maintain national and political security.

Al-Shammari clarified that there is no Gulf or Arab pressure to invite Ahmed al-Sharaa to the Baghdad summit in exchange for others’ attendance. Iraq enjoys distinguished relations with several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Oman, and Bahrain, and is keen on further developing its ties with Kuwait. He stated that these countries have an interest in maintaining a strong relationship with Iraq, independent of any new regime figures.

He further elaborated that Iraq extended an invitation to Syria for the summit as the host country of the Arab Summit. However, it is still premature to confirm Syria’s attendance. Addressing the potential of the Doha meeting compensating for al-Sharaa’s absence at the summit, Al-Shammari noted that Iraq will not be content with just these meetings, as Syria is a founding member of the Arab League. Iraq seeks to foster more effective dialogue and has already presented a roadmap at prior meetings in Amman and Riyadh to assist Syria in building its new regime, based on Iraq’s own experience.

Al-Shammari concluded by highlighting Iraq’s influential international and regional power and its capability to play an effective role in the region. He expressed Iraq’s openness to all, aiming to demonstrate to the world that it has regained its peace and is actively contributing to the region’s progress.