Iraq, along with Libya and Tunisia, has withheld support for Syria’s new president, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, in contrast to many Arab and Western nations that extended their congratulations. Iraq’s Foreign Minister indicated an openness to engage with Syria’s leadership, inviting Al-Sharaa to the upcoming Arab League summit. Meanwhile, the Syrian Transitional Government’s foreign minister plans a visit to Baghdad soon.

The Syrian presidency recently disclosed the countries that congratulated Ahmed Al-Sharaa following his inauguration as president. While the majority of Arab nations expressed their congratulations, Iraq, Libya, and Tunisia notably refrained from doing so. Among those promptly congratulating Al-Sharaa were Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Algeria, Sudan, Morocco, Jordan, Bahrain, and Oman. Furthermore, several Western leaders, such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, also acknowledged his new role.

Iraq has not publicly commented on Al-Sharaa’s appointment. However, Iraq’s Foreign Minister, Fuad Hussein, conveyed in an interview with France 24 that Iraq holds no objections to engaging with the new leadership in Syria. Additionally, he indicated that Iraq plans to invite all Arab leaders, including Al-Sharaa, to the forthcoming Arab League summit scheduled for May.

In related developments, Asaad Al-Shibani, the Foreign Minister of the Syrian Transitional Government, announced his intention to visit Baghdad soon, having received an official invitation to do so. This visit may signify ongoing diplomatic efforts despite Iraq’s initial silence regarding Al-Sharaa’s presidency.

In summary, most Arab nations congratulated Ahmed Al-Sharaa upon his appointment as Syria’s president, while Iraq, Libya, and Tunisia did not comment. Iraq’s Foreign Minister has stated the country is open to engaging with Syria’s new leadership and will extend invitations for the upcoming Arab League summit. Asaad Al-Shibani’s upcoming visit may pave the way for renewed diplomatic relations.

Original Source: shafaq.com