Iraq supports Damascus–SDF agreement, foreign minister says
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said on Thursday that Baghdad supports the agreement between Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), warning that continued instability in Syria has negative repercussions on the wider region and on Iraq itself.
Hussein’s remarks came during a joint press conference held in Baghdad with his French counterpart, Jean-Noël Barrot, following talks that addressed regional developments, including the situation in Syria.
“Instability in Syria negatively affects the situation in the region and in Iraq, therefore we support the agreement between Damascus and the SDF, because instability there could impact our situation,” Hussein said during the conference.
The Iraqi foreign minister did not provide further details on the nature of the agreement but linked Baghdad’s position to broader concerns over regional security and cross-border repercussions, including issues related to armed groups and displacement.
For his part, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said that France continues to support diplomatic efforts amid rising tensions in the region and the risk of military escalation.
“France supports diplomatic efforts in light of the tensions the region is witnessing and the existing danger of military escalation,” Barrot said, according to remarks made at the press conference.
Barrot also praised Iraq’s role in addressing the issue of detainees linked to the Islamic State group (ISIS), noting cooperation on Syria-related files. “Iraq plays a major role in receiving ISIS detainees, and we support this position. During our discussions, we addressed the situation in Syria and the Damascus–SDF agreement,” he said.
The French foreign minister added that Paris supports holding the third edition of the Baghdad Conference, describing Iraq’s stability as a key factor for the region. “The stability of Iraq is necessary, and the country is witnessing recovery, which is a source of hope for the region,” Barrot said.
In a separate part of the press conference, Hussein addressed regional diplomacy, confirming Iraq’s support for negotiations between representatives of Iran and the United States, scheduled to take place in Oman.
“The region is going through a sensitive phase that requires resolving problems through dialogue and negotiations, away from the logic of violence,” Hussein said.
He added, “Keeping the region away from the flames of war is the duty of all countries in it, and Iraq welcomes the negotiations between Iranian and U.S. representatives scheduled to be held tomorrow in Oman.”