Iraq, Syria discuss drug trafficking
The Iraqi Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fuad Hussein, and the Syrian Foreign Minister, Faisal Al-Mekdad, during a joint press conference. Photo: Reuters
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Iraqi Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fuad Hussein, confirmed on Sunday that relations with Syria are strong, indicating that Baghdad has a consistent position towards the political crisis.
In a joint press conference with the Syrian Foreign Minister, Faisal Al-Mekdad, Hussein explained that the security situation in Syria has a direct impact on the security situation in Iraq.
The Iraqi Foreign Minister welcomed Syria’s return to its seat in the Arab League.
Hussein clarified that Baghdad will start delivering humanitarian aid to Syria in the coming period.
Both sides discussed cooperation in combating drug trafficking, where Hussein stressed the need to work with Iraq’s neighboring countries to combat drug trafficking, which has a negative impact on the Iraqi and Syrian societies.
Iraq and Syria share a border of 600 kilometers, mostly desert areas. The security of the Iraqi-Syrian border is a major issue between both countries, especially with regard to the activities of ISIS and drug smuggling.
The Iraqi authorities are constantly seizing illicit pills on the borders with Syria after its trade has greatly expanded in recent years in the Middle East.
Last March, more than three million illicit pills were seized at the border with Syria.