Al-Sharaa and Al-Zaidi Discuss Strengthening Ties and De-escalating Tensions in the Region

New York – Agencies: Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi discussed bilateral relations and ways to develop them across various fields to serve mutual interests, according to a statement by the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office. The statement noted that the meeting, held on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, addressed regional and international developments, as well as efforts aimed at enhancing de-escalation and reducing tensions in the region.

Iraqi-Syrian relations are witnessing a gradual political opening following a period of caution that came after the political transition in Damascus. Shared priorities focus on border security, combating the “Islamic State” (ISIS), and preventing the smuggling of weapons and narcotics, thereby limiting the cross-border transmission of security threats between the two countries.

On the economic front, Iraq and Syria reopened the Rabi’a–Al-Ya’arubiya border crossing in April 2026 for the first time in over a decade, aiming to boost trade, overland transport, and fuel oil exports. The two sides also discussed resuming the pipeline for transporting Iraqi oil through Syrian territory to Mediterranean ports.