UK, Iraq discuss regional stability amid Syria’s political transition

Dec. 13, 2024

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – On Thursday, the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom David Lammy, and the Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani had a phone conversation about the developing situation in Syria and Iraq’s role as a key actor in ensuring regional stability.

Lammy stated in a post on the X platform, “We discussed Iraq's key role in ensuring regional stability, and agreed that a political transition, inclusive of Syrians' views, is needed for them to rebuild their lives.”

Important to speak with PM @mohamedshia today. We discussed Iraq's key role in ensuring regional stability, and agreed that a political transition, inclusive of Syrians' views, is needed for them to rebuild their lives.

— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) December 12, 2024

The Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office also confirmed that the discussion focused on “exchanging ideas about the regional situation and the political events that took place in Syria.”

According to the statement from the office of Iraq’s Prime Minister, both sides emphasized the need for stability in Syria, as well as respecting Syrian sovereignty.

It was also reiterated that the freedom of choice of the Syrian people should also be respected.

On Sunday, Dec. 8, it was reported by the Agence France-Presse that the ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had fled the country via an airplane.

His departure from Syria meant that the 13-year civil war and internal conflict in Syria also ended. However, the regional, as well as global, powers argue that the real implications of the events that unfolded in Syria ought to be dealt with carefully.

As it is clear from the political statements of countries, the concern is focused on a peaceful political transition that safeguards stability in the Middle East.