Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad arrived in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, on Saturday to discuss bilateral relations between the two countries. This was announced by Ahmed Al-Sahhaf, spokesperson for the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to the Iraqi News Agency.
Al-Sahhaf added that Mekdad’s visit includes meetings with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein, as well as the three presidencies (the Republic, the Government, and the Parliament), and the President of the Supreme Judicial Council.
The spokesperson explained that the visit will focus on the bilateral relations between Baghdad and Damascus and the role of Iraq in restoring Syria’s seat in the Arab League. The ministers will also discuss “ways to advance the relations in a manner that serves the interests of the two neighboring peoples.”
Earlier, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein stated that his country had actively contributed to Syria’s return to its seat in the Arab League. He considered Syria’s return to the league as crucial for achieving security and stability in Syria and its neighboring countries. He further emphasized that Arab teams, committees, and joint meetings will continue with Syria until complete stability and the process of reconstruction and rebuilding are achieved.
It should be noted that the Arab League announced last month the resumption of Syria’s participation in its meetings, including the Council and its affiliated agencies and organizations.
It is worth mentioning that Syria’s participation in the meetings of the Arab League and its affiliated organizations had been suspended since November 2011 due to the Syrian crisis.
