Sharaa: Syria to build closest ties with sisterly Iraq

Syria's Foreign Minister Farouq al-Sharaa underlined Thursday Syria's will and desire to establish the closest ties with "sisterly Iraq on the basis of historic links, belonging and geography that connect the two states and peoples."

Meeting an Iraqi media delegation, Sharaa said, Syria has worked in all Arab and international gatherings to avert Iraq any passive consequences that might inflict damage to the Iraqi peoples interests.

He underlined Syria's commitment to Iraq's unity as a land and people, the end of the occupation, as well allowing Iraqis to run their own affairs, pointing out that Syria boosted the current political process and asserted the significance of all the Iraqi peoples participation because this would pose as the only guarantee for success.

The foreign minister announced that the exchange of ambassadors between the two states would take place after the formation of the new Iraqi government, as well there would be a series of visits and delegations in the two states to boost ties in all fields.

Sharaa voiced confidence and hope that ties between Syria and Iraq will be an example of relations among states, noting that there were in the past constant bids trying to prevent the existence of stable and close ties between the two states.

The Iraqi media delegation underlined when met the Minister of Tourism Sadalalh Agha al-Qalaa Thursday ties joining the two states and people, calling to make use of the Syrian experience in the field of tourism and to hold joint exhibitions in the two states' interests.