BAGHDAD – Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani is visiting Syria to strengthen their shared border and economic ties. The trip marks the first official visit by an Iraqi premier since the Syrian war began in 2011.
Despite the civil war in Syria, Iraq and Syria, both closely tied to Iran, maintained relations as other Arab states withdrew ambassadors and closed embassies.
Both Iraq and Syria, along with Shi’ite armed groups supported by Iran, collaborated in the fight against the Islamic State. The militant group had gained control over a significant portion of both countries.
Sudani’s visit intends to address drug trafficking, particularly the trafficking of the amphetamine Captagon, and prevent the infiltration of Islamic State militants along their shared 600km border.
The prime minister will also discuss trade, economic cooperation, and the possibility of reopening an oil export pipeline in the Mediterranean. Opening the pipeline would help Iraq diversify its export routes.
Sudani’s visit comes as other countries, like Saudi Arabia, are rebuilding relations with Damascus after years of tensions.
Syria was suspended from the Arab League in 2011 due to President Assad’s brutal crackdown on protests. Several Gulf states supported the armed opposition against his rule.
However, with military and economic assistance from Russia and Iran, Assad has regained control of most of Syria. In May, Syria was readmitted to the Arab League, and regional countries are seeking dialogue to combat drug smuggling and assist in the return of millions of refugees.
Additionally, Syria has agreed to cooperate in ending drug trafficking across its borders with Jordan and Iraq.
Recent sanctions imposed by the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union have targeted top Syrian officials and Assad’s relatives, believing they have ties to the drug trade.
The Syrian government denies any involvement in the drug trade.
(Reporting by Timour Azhari; Editing by Alexandra Hudson)
Credit: The Star : News Feed
