Iraqi PM urges deeper economic and security cooperation with Syria

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zidi sent a message to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa calling for expanded economic and security cooperation between the two countries, the Iraqi Prime Minister's press office said. The message was delivered by Hamid Rashid al-Shatri, head of Iraq's National Intelligence Service, during a meeting with al-Sharaa. According to the statement, al-Zidi's message stressed the need to strengthen bilateral coordination to address regional security and economic challenges within a framework of shared interests. Al-Sharaa thanked al-Zidi and the Iraqi government, reaffirming Syria's commitment to solidarity with Iraq and joint efforts to confront common threats. The Syrian president also pointed to the importance of deepening cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the security and economic fields, in light of recent regional developments. The exchange marks a diplomatic step in reshaping relations between the Baghdad and Damascus governments.