Syrian Foreign Minister to Visit Baghdad Amid Intensified Diplomatic Activity
Except for a previous visit by Iraqi Intelligence Chief Hamid al-Shatri to Damascus, there is no recorded political or diplomatic engagements between the two nations.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani is set to arrive in Baghdad on Saturday, for an official visit, an Iraqi government source confirmed to Kurdistan 24.
Upon arrival, he will be received by his Iraqi counterpart, Fuad Hussein, before holding key meetings with senior Iraqi officials.
This visit marks a significant step in thawing the long-standing diplomatic stagnation between Baghdad and Damascus, which persisted since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime.
Except for a previous visit by Iraqi Intelligence Chief Hamid al-Shatri to Damascus, there is no recorded political or diplomatic engagements between the two nations.
Al-Shaibani Calls for International Support and Lifting of Sanctions
During his recent participation in the World Government Summit 2025 in Dubai, Shaybani acknowledged the numerous challenges facing Syria's new leadership, both internally and externally.
He emphasized that the Syrian people have overcome their greatest obstacle and have secured their freedom. However, he stressed that Syria now requires substantial international support, particularly from the European Union and the United States, to facilitate the lifting of economic sanctions imposed on the country.
Regional Relations: A Diplomatic Recalibration
Shaybani also addressed Syria’s relations with neighboring countries, describing ties with Jordan as strong, while noting that security threats, including drug trafficking, had been neutralized. Regarding Lebanon, he reaffirmed Syria’s commitment to respecting Lebanese sovereignty.
As for Iraq, Shaybani emphasized that bilateral relations are based on mutual respect and official cooperation, revealing that he had received a formal invitation to visit Baghdad.
Diplomatic Re-engagement Following Assad’s Fall
Syria has witnessed a surge in diplomatic activity since the collapse of the Assad regime, with an influx of Arab and foreign delegations to Damascus, alongside intensified communications between Syrian officials and regional governments.
The upcoming visit of the Syrian Foreign Minister is expected to be part of Iraq’s broader diplomatic strategy, aiming to enhance bilateral ties and contribute to regional realignment following major geopolitical shifts.
