The Iraqi Prime Minister performs prayers at two of the most prominent religious landmarks in the Syrian capital, coinciding with discussions to enhance security, economic, and trade cooperation between Baghdad and Damascus.
During his visit to Syria and his meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa on October 28, 2026, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi visited the Sayyida Zainab Shrine and the Umayyad Mosque, where he performed prayers.
Al-Zaidi published two posts on his account documenting the two visits. In the first post, he noted that he conducted a visit to the Sayyida Zainab Shrine (peace be upon her), performed the visitation rituals and prayers inside the holy courtyard, and subsequently toured the shrine’s features.
In another post, Al-Zaidi stated: “We conducted a visit to the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus. During the visit, we performed prayers inside the mosque’s sanctuary, and afterwards, we viewed the historical landmarks of this Islamic monument.”
The two visits carry significant symbolism given the religious and sectarian importance associated with both the shrine and the mosque for the authorities of the two countries, at a time when Baghdad and Damascus are seeking to strengthen bilateral relations and develop areas of joint cooperation.
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa had received Al-Zaidi and his accompanying delegation at the People’s Palace in Damascus on October 28, 2026, according to a statement by the Syrian Presidency. During the meeting, both sides discussed ways to strengthen relations between the two countries and develop security, economic, and trade cooperation, alongside regional and international developments and a number of issues of mutual interest, serving mutual interests and contributing to consolidating security and stability in the region.
Al-Zaidi and Al-Sharaa also co-chaired the expanded talks session between the delegations of the two countries in the Syrian capital, where Al-Zaidi affirmed that “the Iraqi and Syrian peoples are one people in two countries,” pointing to ongoing work to develop partnership and joint cooperation across various fields—particularly economic and social—as well as enhancing security cooperation, unifying positions regarding regional and international issues, and working to achieve peace and stability in the region.
According to Al-Zaidi’s publication, the talks addressed several files, including the export of Iraqi oil via the Baniyas pipeline with an export capacity of up to two million barrels per day, increasing the volume of trade exchange, and working jointly to develop the agricultural sector with the aim of achieving food and economic integration.
The meeting was attended from the Syrian side by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Justice, Energy, and Finance, and from the Iraqi side by the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Finance, Oil, and Justice, alongside several officials.
Note: This text is translated from the original Arabic version… Read the Arabic version:Click here
