Iraq’s embassy in Damascus resumed operations on Thursday, with Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein announcing plans for key discussions on Syria’s situation.
This comes after Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani called on Arab countries to support Syria’s people, following the recent fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
Speaking at the Arab Health Ministers' Council meeting in Baghdad, Sudani highlighted Iraq’s ongoing support for Palestinians and Lebanese.
“Iraq has always led efforts to help the Palestinian and Lebanese people, and now we must focus on addressing the painful health crisis affecting human dignity and providing aid to those lacking medical care due to the siege and violence,” he said.
Iraq has reaffirmed its support for the Syrian people, stressing the importance of Syria’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and the protection of its institutions.
Sudani also called for civil peace and respect for the Syrian people's wishes.
Although Iraq considers the situation in Syria an internal matter, Baghdad has remained silent on messages from Syria's new government, including those from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham leader Abu Muhammad al-Julani and Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad al-Bashir, who said they were in contact with Iraq.
Iraq, however, has shown its willingness to help Syria for the second time in two days. Besides his comments at the Arab Health Ministers’ Council on Thursday, Sudani reiterated Iraq’s readiness to assist during a meeting with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius the night before.
Sudani stressed the role of the international community in supporting Syria’s stability and security and emphasized that Syrians should decide their future. He also highlighted the importance of representing all Syrian groups in any new government to ensure lasting peace and security.
On his part, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein announced on Thursday that meetings will be held in Baghdad to discuss the situation in Syria, focusing on diplomatic efforts to promote regional stability.
At a press conference in Basra, Hussein said, “The situation in Syria and the region is very complex. Iraq has launched several initiatives and is hosting diplomatic activities to find solutions for security, stability, and crisis management.”
He confirmed that talks will be held in Baghdad or other locations, with a plan to discuss the Syrian crisis. Hussein stressed Iraq's role in addressing key issues for Syria’s stability, aiming for a political solution that includes all Syrian communities.
