ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani concluded his long-awaited visit to Iraq on Friday, where he held a number of meetings with the country’s top officials, stressing the new Damascus administration’s commitment to enhancing ties with Baghdad.

Shaibani announced the end of his visit to the Iraqi capital Baghdad on Friday night in a post on X, thanking the Iraqi government and people for the “warm welcome and hospitality,” while reiterating hopes for “distinguished strategic relationship between the two countries.”

Following his arrival in Baghdad, Shaibani met with his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein, where the Syrian top diplomat reiterated that his country “will take decisive steps to develop relations between the two countries.”

The two foreign ministers discussed cooperation in combating the threat of the Islamic State (ISIS), with Hussein describing the group as “a cross-border threat which requires effective regional cooperation,” according to a statement from the Iraqi foreign ministry.

Shaibani’s trip came amid ongoing unrest in the country as regional and international criticism continues to pour in against the military operations of security forces affiliated with the new administration in the country’s coastal regions, targeting civilians accused of being loyalists of the ousted regime.

Hussein “expressed regret” over the escalations in Syria, and called for “avoiding hate speech which has serious repercussions, emphasizing that national affiliation must be the basic unifying factor and that the state’s responsibility is to impose security and stability.”

The escalations in Syria have also impacted Syrians in Iraq, with several refugees detained by Iraqi authorities in recent days for allegedly promoting “extremist groups” in Syria, as well as circulating reports of attacks on Syrian workers by Shiite militias in Iraq.

Hussein reassured the Syrian foreign minister that “the Syrian diaspora in Iraq is highly respected and appreciated.”

Shaibani was later received by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, who underlined Iraq’s support for the choices of the Syrian people with all its components, and support for the unity of its territories and rejection of Israeli occupation. Sudani also highlighted Iraq’s willingness to contribute to the reconstruction of the war-torn country.

Sudani highlighted the “need for an inclusive political process that safeguards Syria’s diversity and social cohesion,” according to a statement from his office.

The premier also reiterated “Iraq’s support for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, rejecting any external interference in Syrian affairs, particularly in light of the ongoing occupation of Syrian lands by the Zionist entity’s forces.”

The Syrian foreign minister also met with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid, discussing regional developments and ways of strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

Shaibani also held meetings with Iraqi Parliamentary Speaker Mahmuod al-Mashhadani, National Security Advisor Qassim al-Araji, and intelligence chief Hamid al-Shatri.

The Syrian top diplomat’s visit to Iraq has been anticipated since January, with multiple trips canceled and postponed due to varying reasons.

The Iraqi government, closely aligned with Iran, has been a keen backer of the former Syrian regime led by Bashar al-Assad, and has been hesitant in establishing ties with the new authorities in Syria.

An Iraqi delegation, headed by Shatri, arrived in Damascus in late December and met with the new Syrian administration, including Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa.