Moallem. Two-day visit
Photo: Reuters
Syrian foreign minister begins landmark visit to Iraq
For first time since US-led war began in 2003, highest ranking Syrian official arrives in Baghdad. Visit is major step toward restoring diplomatic relations severed more than quarter-century ago
Syria's foreign minister arrived in Baghdad on Sunday, the highest ranking official from his country to visit since the US-led war began in 2003, at a time when Syria is seen by many as key to helping stem the insurgency.
Walid Moallem's visit, his first since the ouster of Saddam Hussein, is a major step toward restoring diplomatic relations severed more than a quarter-century ago.
Both the Iraqi government and its US sponsors have repeatedly accused Syria of allowing foreign fighters to cross into Iraq. Syria denies the charge, saying it is impossible to control the long desert border.
Moallem was received at the airport by his Iraqi counterpart, Hoshyar Zebari, amid tight security, Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Labib Abbawi said.
Syria's top diplomat also was to meet with President Jalal Talabani and Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki during his two-day visit.
