Iraqi prime minister visits Syria to deepen economic ties

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus.

It was the first visit by an Iraqi prime minister since Bashar al-Assad fell.

The neighbours are seeking stronger ties, including more cooperation on the economy and oil.

The leaders discussed exporting Iraqi oil through the Baniyas line, expanding trade and developing agriculture.

Iraq has begun limited oil exports through Syria, and the countries signed agreements last July to revive the Haditha-Baniyas pipeline, with a consortium including Chevron set to implement the project.

The talks also covered security and regional issues, after the leaders met in New York in September to discuss political and security coordination.