Syrian FM starts visit to Iraq

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem started Wednesday a visit to Iraq. “Al-Moallem is due to hold talks with Iraqi officials on bolstering bilateral ties and on regional and international developments,” according to Syrian news agency. The spokesman for the Iraqi government, Ali al-Dabbagh, had said last Saturday (Mar. 21) that Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem is expected to arrive in Baghdad this week to discuss bilateral relations with Iraq. Al-Moallem will deliver a message from Syrian President Bashar Assad about his willingness to develop Iraqi-Syrian relations in preparation for the Doha Arab summit, scheduled to take place later this month, according to al-Dabbagh. SH (P) 1