Prime Minister Muhammad Al-Sudani affirmed Iraq's position in support of the territorial integrity of the Syrian state.
Al-Sudani said during the joint press conference with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, which was held in the Syrian capital, Damascus today: "Iraq and Syria are interconnected historically, socially and geographically, and security and stability are pushing the two countries towards more cooperation and coordination to face all plans and challenges."
He emphasized Iraq's position in support of the territorial integrity of the Syrian state, and the extension of law to all of its territory, which is a principled position, and a matter of Iraqi national security first.
He pointed out that the key to the region's security and stability is facing economic and security challenges that have an economic root, linking peoples with partnerships and interests, and investing in the future of youth.
He added, "Iraq worked to restore Syria to its natural position and its seat in the Arab League."
He continued, "We are working with all countries and forces that support stability, to recover Syria economically, and to deal with the effects of the war."
He pointed out that there is no room for leaving Syria to face the dangers alone, as the matter will backfire negatively on Iraq and the region.
He indicated that terrorism has receded in Iraq, been defeated, and has become pursued in deserts and caves, because we have armed forces that have stood firmly in the face of this threat.
He stressed that terrorism did not abandon its barbaric ideology, but we defeated it with the will of our people.
He explained that our visit is to discuss cooperation in all fields, and to strengthen the relationship, which we believe is important to develop.
He continued, "We have to maintain the security and stability of our two countries in the face of security challenges, and we need more coordination at the level of the security services, especially in the border areas."
"We discussed finding mechanisms for coordination, tracking and follow-up to confront the scourge of drugs," he said.
He added, "We need the cooperation of the two countries to face the challenge of water scarcity, the drying up of rivers and their effects, and to move on the upstream countries to ensure fair water releases for Syria and Iraq."
He indicated that it is important to work jointly to address the refugee problem and ensure a safe and dignified return for them, as soon as the situation stabilizes in their areas of residence.
He said, "We directed the concerned agencies to cooperate with Syria through official channels, with regard to Al-Hol camp."
He stressed that Iraq has committed itself to returning its citizens from Al-Hol camp according to specific mechanisms, and the countries of the world must take the same step towards their citizens who are in this camp.
He pointed out that Al-Hol camp is a hotbed of extremist ideology that has serious repercussions for the region.
He stressed that Iraq supports the measures aimed at lifting the sanctions imposed on Syria, ensuring the entry of necessary aid to the Syrian people, and alleviating the human suffering.
He continued, "We renew Iraq's steadfast position and rejection of any Israeli occupation of Arab land, wherever it may be, and we affirm our stand with the right of the Palestinian people to establish their national state on their historical land."
He indicated that Iraq rejects all Israeli aggressions against Syria or Lebanon.
He continued, we renew our condemnation of the act of burning the Noble Qur’an, because it represents a clear transgression against all Muslims and the values of coexistence and acceptance of the other.
He pointed out that the Iraqi government's methodology is to establish balanced relations with everyone and create economic partnerships.
He stressed that Iraq extends a hand of assistance, cooperation, friendship and equal partnership to all brothers and friends, and the doors are open towards investment exchange.
He added that we have put forward the promising Development Road Project, which is an opportunity for investment among all countries in the region for the benefit of our peoples./ End
Source: National Iraqi News Agency