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Iraqi PM makes first Syria visit Iraqi PM makes first Syria visit
(about 10 hours later)
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki is visiting Syria, his first trip to the country since taking office last year. Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki has held talks with senior Syrian officials in Damascus, his first trip to the country since taking office last year.
Mr Maliki will be meeting the Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, during the three-day visit. Mr Maliki and Syrian PM Naji al-Otari discussed Iraq's security situation and the plight of Iraqi refugees, almost two million of whom live in Syria.
Among the issues Mr Maliki is expected to discuss is the plight of Iraqi refugees, almost two million of whom live in Syria. Mr Maliki will be meeting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Tuesday.
Two weeks ago, Mr Maliki went to Iran. Both Iran and Syria have been accused by the US of supporting Iraqi militias.Two weeks ago, Mr Maliki went to Iran. Both Iran and Syria have been accused by the US of supporting Iraqi militias.
The visit highlights the growing diplomatic ties between the two neighbouring countries. Mr Maliki's three-day visit highlights the growing diplomatic ties between the two neighbouring countries.
Relations were only restored between Syria and Iraq last year after a period of almost 25 years.Relations were only restored between Syria and Iraq last year after a period of almost 25 years.
RapprochementRapprochement
For decades, the two countries promoted rival versions of Baathism and Syria sided with Iran in the eight-year Iran-Iraq war. For decades, the two countries promoted rival versions of Baathism - an Arab nationalism - and Syria sided with Iran in the eight-year Iran-Iraq war.
A rapprochement was sealed in January with the visit of Iraqi President Jalal Talabani to Damascus.A rapprochement was sealed in January with the visit of Iraqi President Jalal Talabani to Damascus.
Mr Maliki is being accompanied by his ministers of oil, trade, the interior and water resources.Mr Maliki is being accompanied by his ministers of oil, trade, the interior and water resources.
He is scheduled to meet Syrian Vice-President Farouq Shara and Foreign Minister Walid Muallem.He is scheduled to meet Syrian Vice-President Farouq Shara and Foreign Minister Walid Muallem.
The prime minister has faced political problems domestically due to walk-outs staged by a number of political blocs including the main Sunni group.The prime minister has faced political problems domestically due to walk-outs staged by a number of political blocs including the main Sunni group.
He is also thought to be under growing pressure from Washington because of the lack of political progress despite the fact that US troops have stepped up operations to quell sectarian violence.He is also thought to be under growing pressure from Washington because of the lack of political progress despite the fact that US troops have stepped up operations to quell sectarian violence.