Both nations expressed a sincere desire to advance cooperation in ways that serve the interests of their peoples.

The meeting, sponsored by HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, emphasized regional security and counterterrorism cooperation between Iraq and Syria.

Sudani expressed that progress on security issues could enhance cooperation and stability in the region.

Iraq prioritizes securing its 600-kilometer border with Syria, addressing ongoing threats from cross-border militancy and smuggling.

The closure of Iraq's border with Syria during the rebel offensive in December 2023 complicated relations, as Assad was a close ally of Baghdad.

Iraq's government is also tackling the illicit narcotics trade, particularly Captagon trafficking from Syria, raising concerns about potential cooperation from Syria's new leadership.

Despite the strategic necessity of stabilizing the region, the Iraqi government remains cautious about engaging in Syria's reconstruction due to financial and political risks.

On April 18, 2025, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani met with Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Doha, marking their first meeting since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime.

A key focus of discussions between the two leaders included the al-Hol detention camp, which houses over 40,000 IS-related detainees, many of whom are Iraqi nationals.

Economic ties between Iraq and Syria, including trade and infrastructure projects, remain speculative and contingent on the stabilization of Syria's internal situation.

Iraq's relationship with Syria is further complicated by the regional influence of Iran, Turkey, and the United States, which are recalibrating their strategies following changes in Syria.

Sudani called for an inclusive political process in Syria that protects all social, religious, and national groups, urging serious actions against the Islamic State group.