Maliki kicks off visit to Syria

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki on Tuesday began an official visit to Syria, during which he is scheduled to discuss mutual relations with Syrian officials. “The ministers of oil, water resources and trade, as well as the minister of state for national security affairs accompany Maliki during his visit,” according to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA). A few days ago, the news agency said that the visit comes in response to an official invitation from the Syrian prime minister and aims to boost mutual cooperation in all fields. Maliki’s last visit to Syria was in August 2007, where he met with President Bashar al-Assad. SS (P) 1