Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has arrived in Damascus for his first official visit to Syria since taking office in May, marking the first visit by an Iraqi premier since the fall of Bashar al Assad’s regime in December 2024.
Al-Zaidi, who is leading a high-level delegation, was welcomed by Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa at Damascus International Airport, according to reports by the Iraqi News Agency (INA) and the Syrian Arab News Agency.
Talks to focus on bilateral ties and security
Citing Al-Zaidi’s office, INA reported that discussions were expected to focus on relations between the two neighbouring countries, although it did not provide further details.
Local media reported ahead of the visit that border security and counter-terrorism efforts were also expected to feature in the talks.
On Tuesday, Sharaa said the Syrian-Iraqi border was “completely” secure, adding that Damascus and Baghdad were already coordinating on several issues.
Damascus and Baghdad seek closer cooperation
The visit comes as Iraq and Syria work to strengthen ties following the establishment of a new administration in Syria under Sharaa in January 2025.
The talks offer an opportunity for the two governments to discuss shared security concerns and broader bilateral cooperation as they seek to develop relations in the period following Assad’s fall.
