Syrian president highlights secure Iraq border, praises cooperation ahead of Zaydi visit

Syrian President Ahmed Al-Shara has affirmed that the Syrian-Iraqi border is fully secure, highlighting ongoing cooperation between the two countries on several issues. His remarks came during an interview with Iraq's Dijlah TV on Tuesday evening.

Al-Shara noted that threats from Daesh have significantly diminished, adding that "there is currently no group posing a threat to either country." He also emphasized the alignment between the Iraqi and Syrian governments on shared concerns.

Al-Shara welcomed Iraqi visitors to Syria, stating that "there is no objection to Iraqis visiting the Sayyida Zainab shrine," and stressed that social ties between the two peoples have remained strong and healthy despite past events. He added that Syria does not view Iraq through a sectarian lens, underlining the importance of common interests.

He clarified that he has not intervened in any sectarian conflict in Iraq since the events of 2003, explaining that he was released from prison in Iraq in 2011 before returning to Syria, and that he has not harmed any Iraqi civilians.

On economic relations, the Syrian president said there is ongoing communication with international companies to link the Baniyas pipeline to refineries, noting the signing of memorandums of understanding between Syria and Iraq regarding the Baniyas–Kirkuk pipeline. He stressed that Syria serves as Iraq’s maritime gateway and the strategic route for exporting oil to the West via the Mediterranean.

Al-Shara’s statements come ahead of an expected visit on Wednesday by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaydi to Damascus, leading a high-level ministerial delegation to discuss bilateral relations, water, oil, and trade issues between the two countries.