Iraqi PM Views Talks in Damascus as Transparent

Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki described his talks with Syrian officials in Damascus as transparent and straightforward. Speaking to FNA on the sidelines of the second leg of his visit to Syria on Tuesday, Maliki stressed the need for Baghdad and Damascus to move towards unity in approach and stance, and underlined that the two countries should show actual participation and partnership in confronting challenges and enhancing economic, security and political cooperation.

“In our talks we deal with all issues because we are brothers and partners,” he said, adding, “Our talks were clear and transparent.”

The Iraqi premier also said that his talks with Syrian officials were centered on the two sides’ national interests.

Elsewhere, he said that the two countries’ oil ministries are due to review the agreements already signed by the two sides, “and if they find these agreements good and appropriate, they will implement them, and if not they will modify the agreements.”

In their first round of talks, Iraqi prime minister and Syrian president Bashar al-Assad discussed regional developments, Iraq’s conditions and the efforts made by al-Maliki’s administration to establish security and stability.

The two sides also discussed expansion of bilateral ties.