In a significant meeting held on the sidelines of the 33rd Arab Summit in Bahrain on Thursday, May 16, 2024, President Dr. Abdel Latif Jamal Rashid of Iraq met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to reinforce bilateral ties and discuss regional security concerns.
The summit provided a vital platform for both leaders to explore mutual interests and strengthen the cooperation between their nations.
During their discussions, President Rashid lauded the strong relations between Iraq and Syria, particularly praising the ongoing collaboration in counter-terrorism efforts and border security enhancement. He emphasized Iraq’s commitment to supporting the stabilization and security efforts in Syria.
The conversation also covered critical regional developments. Both leaders underscored the necessity of de-escalating tensions, promoting dialogue to resolve conflicts, and respecting the sovereignty of states.
They highlighted the urgent need to halt aggression towards Palestinians, end the conflict in Gaza, and called on the international community to support the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
The meeting was attended by key figures including Iraq’s Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein, and from the Syrian delegation, Foreign Minister Dr. Faisal Mekdad, Deputy Foreign Minister Bassam Sabbagh, and Syria’s Permanent Representative to the Arab League, Hussam Edin Aala.
This high-level dialogue between Iraq and Syria demonstrates a shared commitment to fostering a stable and secure region, addressing both bilateral and broader Middle Eastern challenges.