UPDATE - Iraqi premier arrives in Syria on 1st such visit since taking office
- Syrian President Sharaa welcomes Iraqi Prime Minister al-Zaidi at Damascus International Airport on arrival
ADDS MORE DETAILS; CHANGES HEADLINE, DECK, LEDE
By Serdar Dincel
ISTANBUL (AA) - Iraq's Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi arrived in Syria's capital Damascus on Wednesday for his first official visit to the country since taking office in May and the first such visit by an Iraqi premier since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024.
Al-Zaidi, heading a high-level delegation, was welcomed by Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa on arrival at Damascus International Airport, both the Iraqi News Agency (INA) and the Syrian Arab News Agency reported.
Citing al-Zaidi's ofice, INA said talks are expected to address bilateral ties, without providing further details.
Earlier, local media said border security and counter-terrorism efforts were also expected to be addressed during talks.
On Tuesday, Sharaa said the border between the countries is "completely" secure, adding that Damascus and Baghdad are already coordinating on several issues.
The visit comes amid efforts by both countries to strengthen bilateral ties following the establishment of an administration in Syria under Sharaa in January 2025.