Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has announced plans to reopen Iraq’s embassy in Damascus, marking a significant step toward normalizing relations with Syria’s current authorities.

In a televised interview, al-Sudani emphasized Iraq’s readiness to support a political resolution to the Syrian crisis, urging respect for the Syrian people's right to shape their future.

“Iraq is ready to support the new political process in Syria,” al-Sudani stated. “Everyone must respect the will of the Syrian people to decide their own future.”

Commitment to Regional Stability

The Iraqi Prime Minister reaffirmed Iraq’s stance on preserving Syria’s territorial integrity and highlighted the spillover effects of armed groups in Syria on Iraq’s security.

“Iraq’s position on Syria is clear and similar to that of any other friendly country. At the Aqaba summit, we expressed our view that the new Syrian authorities must address the concerns of regional countries,” al-Sudani said.

While no formal steps toward full normalization have been initiated, Iraq’s resumption of representation in Syria signals progress in rebuilding bilateral ties.

Lessons from Iraq’s Past

Drawing a comparison between Syria’s current situation and Iraq’s post-2003 reconstruction period, al-Sudani cautioned against repeating the mistakes of the past. “The current situation in Syria is similar to the situation in Iraq in 2003. We must advise Syria to avoid the errors we made then,” he said.

Toward Closer Ties

Al-Sudani underlined the potential benefits of strengthened relations between Baghdad and Damascus, emphasizing Iraq’s support for stability in Syria and the broader region.

“If Iraq’s relations with the new Syrian authorities are in the interest of stability in Syria and the region, we support such relations,” he stated.

The decision to reopen Iraq’s embassy in Damascus reflects Baghdad’s broader commitment to fostering regional cooperation and stability while aiding Syria’s efforts toward political and territorial recovery.