Iraq keen on Syrian stability – Maliki

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki expressed Iraq‘s keenness for stability in Syria.  In a statement issued by the Cabinet, as received by IraqiNews.com, Maliki received Syrian Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Mu’alim, during which Premier Maliki expressed “keenness on Syrian stability and achievement of the reforms that will accomplish security and stability, as well as developing economic cooperation in a manner that will realize the interests of the two brotherly countries.”  “Both sides discussed bilateral relations and conditions prevailing in the area and the development of events in the Syrian arena,” the statement added.  On the other side, Syrian foreign minister confirmed the necessity of activating economic relations and expanding trade exchange.  Al-Mu’alim arrived in Iraq today, on his third trip since 2003.  The first trip was in November 2006 that marked the return of diplomatic relation between the two countries, followed by a second visit in 2009. RM (TS)/SR 359