Iraqi PM visits Syria as economic cooperation tops agenda

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi arrived in Damascus on Wednesday for talks with Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara, the first visit by an Iraqi leader since the change of government in Syria in December 2024.

Government spokesman Haider Al Aboodi said the two leaders would discuss the future of Iraqi-Syrian relations, regional developments and the effects of geopolitical circumstances. Economic and trade co-operation would be the priority, he added, as both countries seek an investment partnership that turns neighbourly ties into mutual opportunities.

Baghdad is looking at Syria as a key transit route to the Mediterranean after changes to regional shipping routes. Iraqi lorries already carry about 500,000 tonnes of fuel oil per month across Syria to Baniyas port, and petrol is imported through the same route to cover a daily shortfall of 5 million litres, according to the Syrian Petroleum Company. In July the two countries signed agreements to rehabilitate the Kirkuk–Baniyas pipeline, alongside plans for a new two million barrel per day line linking Iraq's Grand Faw Port to the Mediterranean, with a consortium including Chevron, UCC Holding and TI Capital.

Security co-ordination is also on the agenda. Syria has transferred 5,704 ISIS detainees to Iraq this year, including 3,000 Syrians, and discussions are under way with the Iraqi judiciary over possible repatriation. Mr Al Shara told Iraq's Dijlah TV that the border was fully secure and welcomed the visit as a historic opportunity for both countries.