ISTANBUL 

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa met in Damascus on Thursday with Iraqi intelligence chief Hamid al-Shatri and agreed to strengthen security cooperation between the two countries.

Discussions touched on recent regional developments and affirmed Syria’s territorial unity and sovereignty, the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported.

The two sides also discussed economic matters, including reviving trade and reopening land crossings between the two countries.

According to the Iraqi state news agency INA, Sharaa and Shatri discussed border security, counterterrorism, and the situation of the Iraqi community in Syria.

The broadcaster said the two sides agreed to expand security collaboration to enhance regional stability.

An unnamed Iraqi source told INA that the Iraqi intelligence chief’s visit was ordered by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.

During the visit, Shatri also toured the Iraqi embassy building in Damascus and reviewed issues facing the Iraqi community in Syria and ways to address them.

It was Shatri’s second publicized visit to Syria. The intelligence chief had previously visited Syria on April 25 and met with Sharaa.

Iraq was among the few Arab nations maintaining ties with the former regime of Bashar al-Assad since its crackdown on popular protests in 2011.

Following Assad’s fall, the Iraqi premier said Baghdad seeks coordination with Syria on border security and refugee returns and is ready to provide support while ensuring Syria does not become a hub for foreign conflicts.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein had earlier said that Iraq has no reservations or conditions in dealing with Syria’s new leadership.

Assad, Syria’s leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia in December, ending the Ba'ath Party regime, which had been in power since 1963. A new transitional administration led by Sharaa was formed in January.