
An official Iraqi delegation arrives in Damascus
Media Office of the Prime Minister said in an official statement obtained by the Iraqi news agency INA: 'Under the direction of Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani, an official Iraqi government delegation arrived today in the Syrian capital, Damascus. The delegation is headed by the President of the Iraqi National Intelligence Service, Mr. Hamid Al-Shatri, and is scheduled to meet with the President of the Syrian Arab Republic, Mr. Ahmed al-Sharaa', along with several senior Syrian government officials'
The statement read 'The delegation includes officials from the Border Forces Command of the Ministry of Interior, the Ministries of Oil and Trade, and the Border Crossings Authority.'
It further said that 'The Iraqi delegation will discuss with the Syrian side matters related to counterterrorism cooperation and the strengthening of joint arrangements to secure the shared border against potential breaches or threats. The talks will also address expanding trade exchange in ways that benefit the interests of both brotherly peoples, and exploring the possibility of rehabilitating the Iraqi oil pipeline that runs through Syrian territory to the ports of the Mediterranean Sea.'
The statement also added that 'The meetings in Damascus will reaffirm Iraq's support for Syria's unity and sovereignty, and underscore that Syria's stability is essential to Iraq's national security and to the security of the broader region.'
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