Syria and Iraq Hold Discussions to Strengthen Judicial Cooperation
Syrian Minister of Justice, Mazhar al-Wais, held high-level discussions in Damascus on Thursday with the Chief Justice of Iraq, Faiq Zaidan, and his accompanying delegation to address strategies for deepening judicial and legal cooperation between the two nations. The meeting, held at Tishreen Palace, focused on fostering closer ties between the justice institutions of both countries to better serve their respective populations.
During the talks, Minister al-Wais highlighted the importance of current diplomatic efforts, noting that the recent advancements in economic and security relations between Syria and Iraq should serve as a catalyst for expanded coordination in the legal and judicial sectors. He emphasized that Syria is committed to developing balanced and positive relationships within its regional neighborhood, founded on the principles of mutual respect and shared interests. According to the Minister, the historical depth of ties and the mutual interests between the two nations necessitate a more robust and integrated framework for bilateral cooperation.
Minister al-Wais further outlined the current national agenda in Syria, which is focused on the transition toward building a state of law and strong institutions, alongside efforts to solidify national unity and judicial equity. He detailed that the Ministry of Justice is actively pursuing a comprehensive reform project aimed at strengthening the independence and integrity of the judiciary. This internal initiative is focused on enhancing the professional efficiency of judges, streamlining legal procedures, and achieving swift justice for all citizens.
In turn, Iraqi Chief Justice Faiq Zaidan underscored the profound historical and brotherly bonds that connect the two countries. He conveyed the keen interest of the Iraqi judiciary in opening new avenues for cooperation that contribute to the development of judicial operations and the strengthening of the rule of law in both nations. Zaidan stressed the necessity of elevating the level of coordination between judicial institutions and facilitating the exchange of expertise.
Addressing the broader regional context, Zaidan observed that the stability of the region and the successful consolidation of justice require a holistic and integrated judicial approach. He advocated for a firm partnership that would leverage the collective strengths of both countries to benefit the Syrian and Iraqi people alike. The Iraqi delegation, led by Chief Justice Zaidan, arrived in Damascus earlier in the day and was received at the airport by Minister al-Wais and high-ranking officials from the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Syrian Supreme Judicial Council. The visit is intended to facilitate dialogue on several key files and legal issues of common concern, marking a significant step in the ongoing efforts to bolster bilateral relations through institutional cooperation.
