Talabani looks forward to cooperation with Syria

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Iraqi President Jalal al-Talabani on Wednesday stressed the necessity of fostering mutual cooperation with Syria during his meeting with the visiting Syrian premier in Baghdad, according to an official statement. “Today, Talabani received in Baghdad Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Naji Otri and his accompanying delegation,” read the statement that was published on the official Web site of the Iraqi presidency. During the meeting, Talabani highlighted the need to promote cooperation between Iraq and Syria. “This visit marks the start of a new era of strategic relations at all levels, including politics, economy, security, trade, and oil,” Talabani noted. Yesterday (April 21), Otri arrived in the capital Baghdad, leading a high-ranking delegation to the Higher Iraqi-Syrian Committee’s meeting. The delegation included the Syrian ministers of finance, interior, oil, irrigation, economy, health, transportation, industry, electricity, and housing. SS (P)/SR 1