Iraqi, Syrian leaders meet at COP31 in Turkey

Iraqi President Nizar Amidi and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on the sidelines of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Turkey. Photo: Iraqi Presidency Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraqi President Nizar Amidi met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Wednesday on the sidelines of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Turkey. The meeting addressed efforts to strengthen bilateral ties, increase security coordination, and foster regional stability, according to a statement released by the Iraqi Presidency. Amidi stressed the importance of enhancing security cooperation between Baghdad and Damascus, which includes sharing intelligence and expertise to tackle common challenges. The two leaders discussed recent regional and international developments, stressing the importance of easing tensions, prioritizing dialogue, and pursuing peaceful resolutions to regional crises. Both sides emphasized the necessity of aligning their stances on environmental matters and ensuring that the recommendations from the summit regarding climate issues are actively pursued. Al-Sharaa expressed appreciation for Iraq’s stance and reaffirmed Syria’s commitment to expanding cooperation across various sectors to serve mutual interests. Amidi also met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during the summit to discuss regional cooperation and climate change impacts on Iraq.