Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus in the first visit by an Iraqi premier to the country since 2011.
The two discussed a range of issues including the security of their shared 600km border and mitigating the impact of drought.
They also agreed to enhance cooperation to reduce drug smuggling.
"I welcome the Iraqi prime minister on this visit, the importance of which comes from the nature of the deep relationship between the two brotherly peoples," said Assad, speaking at the joint press conference.
"This visit is important to take practical steps to strengthen bilateral relations, particularly in light of international circumstances and common challenges, especially the fight against terrorism."
Sudani said Iraq supported the lifting of sanctions on Syria, which have choked the country's economy since the beginning of the civil war in 2011.
Baghdad and Damas...