Iraq, Oman discuss Gaza war, post-Assad Syria

AMMAN, Jordan

The foreign ministers of Iraq and Oman held talks in Baghdad on Sunday to discuss developments in Gaza and Syria.

The discussions were held as part of the ninth session of the Iraqi-Omani Joint Committee co-chaired by the two top diplomats.

An Iraqi Foreign Ministry statement said the meeting addressed bilateral relations, the ongoing Israeli war on Gaza, Palestinian developments, and the situation in Syria.

According to the statement, Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi hailed Iraqi efforts to promote regional stability and its active role in addressing security challenges.

He highlighted Iraq's support for Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, through humanitarian aid aimed at alleviating civilian suffering amid the ongoing Israeli offensive.

Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in economic, cultural, and academic fields, including energy and environmental initiatives to advance sustainable development, the statement said.

Several memoranda of understanding were signed during the meeting, the statement said, without providing any details.

Iraqi Minister Fuad Hussein, for his part, reiterated his country’s support for the Palestinian cause and called for a cease-fire in Gaza.

He emphasized the need for an inclusive political process in Syria to achieve lasting stability.

Bashar al-Assad, Syria’s leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia after anti-regime groups took control of Damascus on Dec. 8, ending the Baath Party regime, which had been in power since 1963.

The takeover came after Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) fighters captured key cities in a lightning offensive that lasted less than two weeks.

*Writing by Ikram Kouachi in Ankara