Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa have discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations, agreeing to hold a joint economic conference bringing together investors and company representatives from both countries to explore opportunities and prioritize projects in energy, transport, agriculture and trade.
The agreement was reached during the leaders’ first meeting in Damascus, where they also decided to pursue the rehabilitation of the Kirkuk–Baniyas oil pipeline. The project aims to deepen strategic cooperation and establish an additional route for Iraqi oil exports through Syrian ports on the Mediterranean Sea.
On security, the two leaders discussed arrangements for an Iraqi security delegation to visit Damascus to improve coordination on securing their shared border, exchanging intelligence, and combating terrorism, smuggling and organized crime. They also addressed ways to ease existing tensions.
The discussions further covered facilitating religious visits by Iraqis to the Sayyida Zainab Shrine in Syria. A proposal was raised to establish a dedicated committee to examine the necessary procedures, simplify arrangements for pilgrims and visiting delegations, and ensure appropriate security conditions.
