In a recent phone call, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani discussed strengthening bilateral relations and addressing various regional and international issues.
The conversation, reported by the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), focused on several key areas of mutual interest, particularly enhancing border security and cooperating in the fight against terrorism, which is crucial for both countries and the broader region.
The leaders emphasized the importance of reinforcing security measures along their shared 600-kilometer border, much of which is desert terrain.
This region has been a significant concern due to the activity of the terrorist organization ISIS. By bolstering border security, Syria and Iraq aim to curb the movement and influence of such groups, thereby contributing to regional stability.
In addition to security, the discussion also covered ways to strengthen cooperation in various sectors, particularly the economic domain, to benefit both nations’ populations.
This conversation follows Al-Sudani’s visit to Syria about a year ago, during which he and President Assad deliberated on security, economic, and water management issues.
Syria and Iraq share a long and porous border that has historically been a conduit for smuggling and militant activity.
The rise of ISIS in the early 2010s exacerbated these issues, leading to large-scale violence and instability in both countries. Following the territorial defeat of ISIS, both nations have been working to prevent the resurgence of the group and other extremist factions.
