Iraqi FM visits Syria for first post-Assad talks

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein arrived in Syria on Monday for the first official visit to Damascus since the overthrow of the Bashar al‑Assad regime in late 2024. Hussein’s visit comes upon “an invitation extended by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al‑Shaibani,” the Iraqi Foreign Ministry said. The ministry stated that Hussein is scheduled to hold a series of meetings with senior Syrian officials to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations and develop joint cooperation in various political, security, economic, and trade fields.

Regional coordination

The talks will also address regional and international developments, ways to enhance coordination and consultation between the two countries regarding shared challenges, and efforts aimed at strengthening regional security and stability. The visit signals Iraq’s willingness to engage with Syria’s new administration, which took office in January 2025 after the fall of the Assad regime. Iraq shares a long border with Syria and has been affected by the Syrian conflict, hosting Syrian refugees and dealing with cross‑border security threats.