Iraq to Invite Syrian Leader Ahmad al-Sharaa to Arab Summit in Baghdad
Al-Faiz stated that while the Iraqi presidency and the Council of Ministers have not yet formally extended an invitation to al-Sharaa, they are expected to do so, given his growing international recognition.
Feb. 6, 2025
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Iraq is set to invite Ahmad al-Sharaa, Syria’s interim president, to attend the upcoming Arab League Summit in Baghdad, according to Member of the Parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee, Amer Al-Fayez.
Speaking to Baghdad Today on Wednesday, Al-Faiz stated that while the Iraqi presidency and the Council of Ministers have not yet formally extended an invitation to al-Sharaa, they are expected to do so, given his growing international recognition.
"Since al-Sharaa now enjoys international legitimacy, Iraq will be obliged to engage with him as the President of the Syrian Republic within the framework of the international community," he explained.
Al-Faiz further noted that the Iraqi government had previously dispatched the head of its intelligence service to meet with al-Sharaa, signaling an initial step toward formal engagement.
"This indicates that Iraq has already begun official dealings with al-Sharaa, particularly on security matters. Given this precedent, his attendance at the Arab Summit is expected," he added.
So far, Iraq has primarily engaged with Syria’s new leadership under al-Sharaa through security channels. However, no formal diplomatic or political recognition has been established.
The upcoming Arab Summit in Baghdad could mark the beginning of Iraq’s broader diplomatic engagement with the new Syrian administration.