Iraq’s foreign ministry denied having sent an invitation to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to attend the Baghdad regional summit slated for August 28, as Syrian state media reported that the head of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), Falih Al-Fayyadh, delivered a message from the Iraqi Prime Minister to Damascus on Monday.
“The Iraqi government is not responsible for this invitation. Official invitations are sent with an official letter and in the name of the Iraqi Prime Minister, and no other party has the right to give out an invitation on behalf of the Iraqi government. A clarification is required,” said the Iraqi foreign ministry on Monday.
While clarity lacks around the nature of Al-Fayyadh’s visit to Damascus and his discussions with Assad, Syrian state media refrained from mentioning Assad receiving an invitation from the PMF chairman.
Nevertheless, Syrian state media reported Al-Fayyadh delivering a letter from Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi about the summit.
“Fayadh delivered a message from Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi to President Assad related to the neighboring countries conference to be held at the end of this month in Baghdad,” Syrian state media reported, adding that the letter also talked about the “importance of cooperation between Iraq and Syria regarding this conference.”
According to SANA, talks between Al-Fayyadh and Assad reviewed measures to enhance joint bilateral cooperation in all fields, especially combating terrorism and controlling border security.
Border security remains a vital factor for both countries, not only at the security level but also in contributing to the trade movement between the two countries.
Later on Monday, Al-Fayyadh’s media office issued a statement denying the PMF leader delivering any invitation to Assad.
The office affirmed that Al-Fayyadh’s meeting with Assad was to deliver a letter from the Iraqi prime minister to the Syrian president.
During his meeting with Assad, Al-Fayyadh clarified that the “failure to invite Syria to the summit does not reflect Iraq’s disregard for the brotherly Syrian government and its leading position,” said the statement.
