Syria, Iraq seek stronger judicial cooperation in Damascus talks

Damascus, Aug. 13 (SANA) Syrian Justice Minister Mazhar al-Wais and the head of Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council, Judge Faiq Zidan, held talks in Damascus on Thursday aimed at strengthening judicial and legal cooperation, including efforts to combat terrorism, organized crime and cross-border crime.

Al-Wais received Zidan and an accompanying delegation at Tishreen Palace, with Mohammad Taha al-Ahmad, adviser for Arab affairs at Syria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, and members of Syria’s Supreme Judicial Council attending.

Al-Wais said the two countries’ shared history, geographical proximity and common interests provided a strong basis for closer judicial ties.

“What brings Syria and Iraq together — history, geographical proximity and shared interests — makes us more capable of building judicial cooperation and more in need of it,” he said.

The minister said cooperation would include coordinating efforts against terrorism, organized crime, drug trafficking and transnational crime.

He also stressed that Syria was seeking balanced relations with countries in the region based on mutual respect and shared interests, saying respect for state sovereignty, good-neighborly relations and regional cooperation were essential to security and stability.

On judicial reform, al-Wais said Syria was seeking to benefit from successful Arab and international experiences, while emphasizing the importance of protecting all citizens, respecting diversity and ensuring equality before the law.

“We believe that genuine stability can only be built on justice and the rule of law,” he said.

Al-Wais expressed hope that closer cooperation with Iraq would contribute to a more efficient justice system, stronger bilateral relations and greater regional stability.

R.A/ABD