Al-Zoubi Discusses with Al-Sharaa the Development of Security, Economic, and Trade Cooperation

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zoubaidi discussed ways to develop bilateral cooperation, particularly in the economic and oil sectors, during talks in Damascus on Wednesday, roughly three months after an agreement was reached to export Iraqi oil via the Baniyas pipeline.

According to a statement issued by the Syrian Presidency following extensive discussions at the presidential palace in Damascus, al-Zoubaidi and al-Sharaa explored means to enhance security, economic, and commercial cooperation, alongside reviewing regional and international developments.

Al-Zoubaidi, according to a statement from the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office, affirmed efforts to develop joint partnership and cooperation across various fields, especially economic and social ones, to strengthen security ties, harmonize positions on regional and international issues, and work toward peace and stability in the region.

During the meeting, Baghdad reported that “a number of issues were discussed, including the export of Iraqi oil through the Baniyas pipeline with an export capacity of up to two million barrels per day, increasing the volume of bilateral trade, and joint efforts to develop the agricultural sector to achieve food and economic integration.”

In an interview broadcast by Iraqi “Dijlah” channel on Tuesday evening, al-Sharaa emphasized that the interests uniting the two countries “take precedence over any capricious policies,” noting that shared issues with Iraq “are very significant, including security, social, and economic matters.”