Baghdad-SANA- Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani said “We are in Baghdad to renew the unity of Syria and Iraq and emphasize the deep bilateral ties”.
“We share the same destiny, and the two countries must stand against the threats and foreign interference they face. We are also ready to cooperate with Iraq in the fight against ISIS, as Syria and Iraq’s security is one.” al-Shaibani added in a press conference with his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein in Baghdad today.
He continued, “The goal of our visit is to enhance trade between the two countries and remove obstacles that prevent it. Opening the borders will be a fundamental step in developing relations.”
Al-Shaibani went on to say, “We are one people and part of the Arab nation, and we must continue to strengthen our relations, not only as governments, but as peoples, to achieve a better future.”
Al-Shaibani indicated that the road will not be easy, but he is confident that Damascus and Baghdad will emerge from this stage stronger than before.
For his part, Iraqi Foreign Minister Hussein said, “The Syrian people, like us, have suffered from the policies of the Ba’ath Party and have been in a continuous struggle to get rid of the totalitarian and one-man rule regime.”
Hussein emphasized respect for good neighborly relations and non-interference in the affairs of other countries, and that the Iraqi experience could benefit Syrians in confronting security challenges.
He hailed the formation of the commission of inquiry into the events on the Syrian coast, and hoped it would produce results that serve peace and stability.
The Iraqi Foreign Minister welcomed the agreement of integrating the Syrian Democratic Forces into the institutions of the Syria.