Zaidi Urges Sharaa to Boost Baghdad-Damascus Coordination

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has conveyed a message to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, emphasizing the need for strengthened ties and closer security and economic coordination between Baghdad and Damascus. This diplomatic outreach signifies Baghdad's concerted effort to mend regional relationships amidst its domestic agenda of consolidating state authority over weaponry and preparing for a pivotal visit to the United States.

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Zaidi’s message stressed the need to develop relations between Baghdad and Damascus and step up coordination to confront regional challenges and crises, particularly in security and economic affairs, in line with the two countries’ shared interests.

The message, delivered by Hamid al-Shatri, head of Iraq’s National Intelligence Service, stressed the importance of developing bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation to address shared regional challenges. President al-Sharaa reportedly thanked the Iraqi government and affirmed Syria's commitment to working with Iraq on common issues stemming from recent regional developments, highlighting the significance of bolstering bilateral cooperation, particularly in security and economic spheres.

This engagement occurs as Iraq pursues a multi-pronged strategy: asserting state control over weapons, expanding regional outreach, and diversifying its economy through foreign investment. The planned visit to the U.S., following an invitation from President Donald Trump, is closely tied to these domestic objectives. Iraqi officials indicate the visit's timing is linked to the government's efforts to implement a weapons-control plan by September, coinciding with the scheduled withdrawal of international coalition forces.

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Sharaa thanked Zaidi and the Iraqi government, and affirmed Syria’s commitment to working with Iraq to address common challenges arising from recent regional developments. He also stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation, especially on security and the economy.

However, the government's drive to confine weapons to state hands faces considerable headwinds. Statements from prominent Iran-backed factions, including Kataib Hezbollah and Harakat al-Nujaba, have cast doubt on the future of these measures. While the Shiite Coordination Framework has granted the prime minister authority over weapons control, potentially creating friction with these armed groups, the situation adds pressure as Baghdad navigates its relationship with Washington and the conclusion of the UN mission in Iraq.

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the deadline for carrying out the weapons-control plan expires next September, coinciding with the scheduled withdrawal of international coalition forces from Iraq.