Iraqi foreign minister meets Syrian president in Damascus

DAMASCUS, Syria — Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus on Monday, according to a statement from Iraq's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani also attended the meeting, which was held at the Republican Palace. The two sides discussed bilateral relations, ways to expand cooperation across various sectors and ways to advance mutual interests. Regional and international developments were also addressed, alongside the need to strengthen coordination and consultation between Baghdad and Damascus in addressing shared challenges. The Iraqi ministry said the talks stressed support for security and stability in the region. Both sides expressed willingness to continue bilateral communication and coordination, with the aim of safeguarding common interests and reinforcing regional stability.