Damascus, Aug. 13 (SANA)Syrian Justice MinisterMazhar al-Waisand JudgeFaiq Zidan, President ofIraq’s Supreme Judicial Council, discussed on Thursday ways to strengthen judicial cooperation between the two countries in a manner that serves the two brotherly peoples.

Al-Wais expressed Syria’s aspiration for developments in economic and security relations between the two countries to serve as a driver for strengthening judicial and legal coordination and developing channels of communication between their justice institutions.

The Justice Minister affirmed Syria’s keenness to build balanced and positive relations with countries in the region based on mutual respect and shared interests, noting that the historic relations and mutual interests between Syria and Iraq underscore both countries’ capacity and need to develop bilateral cooperation.

Al-Wais said Syria is going through a new phase focused on building a state founded on the rule of law and institutions and consolidating national unity and justice. He noted that the Ministry of Justice is pursuing a comprehensive judicial reform project aimed at strengthening the independence and integrity of the judiciary, enhancing judges’ competence, ensuring timely and effective justice, and simplifying procedures for citizens.

Zidan: Regional stability requires integrated judicial efforts

For his part, Zidan highlighted the historic and fraternal relations between Iraq and Syria, affirming the Iraqi judiciary’s keenness to open new avenues for cooperation that would contribute to developing judicial work and consolidating the rule of law in both countries.

He stressed the importance of increasing coordination among justice institutions and exchanging expertise, noting that regional stability and the consolidation of justice require integrated judicial efforts and close partnership that benefits the two brotherly peoples.

The Iraqi judicial delegation, headed by Zidan, arrived in Syria earlier Thursday to discuss a number of issues and cases of mutual interest. Al-Wais, Adviser for Arab Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Taha al-Ahmad, and members of the Syrian Supreme Judicial Council received the delegation at Damascus International Airport.