Syria’s Foreign Minister Enhances Cooperation with Iraq on Security Issues
Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani visited Iraq to enhance cooperation in fighting the Islamic State group. His visit coincided with Iraq’s announcement of the killing of a senior IS leader. The relationship between Syria and Iraq faces complexities following the fall of Assad. Joint discussions emphasized shared security responsibilities and responses to the horrific mass killings in Syria.
On a recent visit to Iraq, Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani expressed his government’s willingness to bolster cooperation with Iraq in combating remnants of the Islamic State (IS) group. His visit coincided with an announcement by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani regarding the successful operation that killed a senior IS leader, showcasing a continued effort to address security concerns in the region.
This visit marks al-Shaibani’s first diplomatic engagement with Iraq following the ousting of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, whose regime had fostered a close alliance with Baghdad. The dynamics between Syria and Iraq have become increasingly intricate since the changes in leadership, highlighting Iraq’s majority Shiite Muslim population and its balancing act between its partnerships with the United States and Iran, both of which have historically influenced Assad’s governance.
During his time in Baghdad, al-Shaibani met with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, where he emphasized that “security is a shared responsibility”. He reaffirmed Syria’s readiness to support Iraq along their border in the fight against terrorism, stating, “Terrorism knows no borders.”
Prime Minister al-Sudani further highlighted the elimination of IS’s Abdullah Makki Muslih al-Rufayi, regarded as a significant threat. Sudani emphasized the terrorist leader’s role as IS’s governor in the Syrian and Iraqi sectors, acknowledging the ongoing collaboration with Western forces.
The Iraqi Foreign Minister expressed concern regarding the recent mass killings of civilians, predominantly from the Alawite minority in Syria, and the response from Iraq to these tragic events. It was noted that Iraq is investigating a recent attack against Syrian workers in its territory, amidst rising tensions fueled by the massacre in Syria, which left over 1,380 civilians dead.
In a bid to ensure safety for Syrian nationals in Iraq, Syria’s foreign ministry has urged the Iraqi government to implement necessary security measures. There have been reports of arrests in Iraq of several Syrians accused of promoting violence, indicating the sensitive and volatile nature of the current relations between the two nations, which continue to evolve amidst a backdrop of conflict and shared security challenges.
The visit of Syria’s Foreign Minister to Iraq underscores the ongoing complexities surrounding security cooperation in the region, particularly post-Assad’s regime. With heightened calls for collaboration against terrorism and responses to tragic civilian casualties, both countries are navigating a precarious relationship shaped by historical alliances and current geopolitical dynamics. The commitment to address shared challenges in combating extremism while ensuring the protection of innocents remains a critical focus for both nations moving forward.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
