President Ahmed al-Sharaa affirmed that Syria and Iraq face a historic opportunity to enhance joint cooperation and regain decision-making power in the region, stressing the necessity of building two strong states capable of protecting their interests and achieving development and prosperity. This came during an interview with Iraqi Dijla Channel today, Tuesday, where he pointed out the importance of unifying military decision-making in the hands of the state and supporting anti-corruption efforts.
For his part, President al-Sharaa clarified that Syrian-Iraqi relations are based on kinship, tribal ties, and a shared destiny, noting that the two countries possess significant potential for integration in the fields of economy, energy, agriculture, water, and transport. He affirmed that common interests should take precedence over whimsical policies, pointing out that Syria represents a strategic maritime outlet for Iraq on the Mediterranean Sea and a corridor connecting it to the West and the Arab Gulf.
President al-Sharaa added that transport and trade movements between the two countries have seen rapid growth over the past six or seven months, with more than 100,000 transit trucks passing through, in addition to more than 40,000 trucks for import and export. He noted that economic relations have evolved over the past year and a half, with an agreement to enhance joint ties since the first communications with Iraqi officials, including former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.
President al-Sharaa touched upon the energy file, speaking about the signing of memorandums of understanding for oil cooperation in the United States, and working on a project for oil linkage involving pipelines and refining. He affirmed the importance of rebuilding oil lines to Baniyas for the benefits it brings to both countries, pointing out that there are practical steps in Iraqi investments in Syria, including the cement sector.
Regarding the water and agriculture file, President al-Sharaa stressed the necessity of dealing with water resources with a strategic vision, explaining that agricultural areas amount to between 80 and 100 million dunams and can contribute to meeting the needs of between 100 and 130 million people. He affirmed the importance of utilizing modern agricultural technologies with countries such as Denmark and the Netherlands to rationalize water consumption and increase production by about 70 percent in some areas.
President al-Sharaa clarified that Syria is open to enhancing ties between the two peoples and facilitating travel and movement, while ensuring safe security conditions during visits to the Sayyida Zainab shrine. He also pointed to discussions regarding the file of detainees who were handed over by coalition forces to the Iraqi government with the Iraqi Council of Judiciary, and an agreement to establish a program to address this file and classify Syrian detainees.
President al-Sharaa touched upon his experience in Iraq in 2003, affirming that he was imprisoned around 2005 and did not participate in sectarian conflicts, before returning to Syria in 2011. He affirmed his pride in the Iraqi people, stressing support for the efforts of Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Obaidi in combating corruption and restricting weapons in the hands of the state.
President al-Sharaa stressed that the decision for peace and war must remain in the hands of the state, and that military and security institutions must be subject to a unified legal framework. He affirmed that more than 10 million sons of the Syrian and Iraqi peoples live as refugees in Western countries, which necessitates cooperation to create appropriate conditions for their return and human resource development.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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