FM: Syria's security and political stability is a priority for Iraq

INA - BAGHDAD

Deputy PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fuad Hussein, confirmed on Saturday that "Syria's security and political stability is a priority for Iraq."

Hussein met with Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, on the sidelines of the Doha Forum 2024 in Qatar, according to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs - received by the Iraqi News Agency - INA.

During the meeting, they discussed the current developments in the region with a focus on the situation in Syria, where the two sides exchanged views on the developments and challenges associated with it."

The two parties stressed the seriousness of the situation in Syria and its direct effects on both Iraq and Turkey.

Hussein highlighted that "Syria's security and political stability is a priority for Iraq," noting that "Iraq and Turkey play an active role in providing appropriate solutions to the Syrian crisis," discussing several elements that could contribute to achieving this."

The two ministers agreed that "the continuation of the current escalation could lead to dire consequences that would be difficult to control in the future," expressing "their concern over the worsening humanitarian tragedy in Syria."

"The continuation of the armed conflict will lead to more tragedies and internal displacement, which could exacerbate the refugee crisis in Syria's neighboring countries," Hussein warned. 

The two ministers asserted "the importance of reaching a comprehensive political solution that serves the interests of Syria and its people in a way that achieves stability in the entire region."

They discussed "the next steps that require high-level coordination between Iraq and Turkey, in addition to enhancing cooperation with countries active in the Syrian issue and agreed to work together to present wise and practical initiatives aimed at reaching a settlement that satisfies all parties, preserves the unity and independence of Syria, and ensures the integrity of its territories," included in the statement.