Baghdad, Activities of the Syrian-Iraqi Joint Committee began in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, headed by Minister of Economy and Trade Mohammad Samer al-Khalil and Iraqi Minister of Commerce, Atheer Daoud Al-Ghurairi. Al-Khalil pointed out to the firm relations between the two brotherly countries, which are built on the foundations of integration that serve the interests of the Syrian and Iraqi peoples. Iraqi News Agency (INA) quoted al-Khalil as saying that Syria has a desire to develop and diversify intra-trade and raise the level of import and export with Iraq. In turn, al-Ghurairi stressed that 'the Iraqi government's vision is to create balanced relations in the region and with brothers based on sustainable development, integrated economic interests, raising the level of trade exchange, and overcome the obstacles that stand in its way.' Al-Ghurairi indicated that the Iraqi government is making great efforts to develop economic performance and provide a suitable climate to enhance foreign trade, encoura ge investment, and create joint industrial and commercial cooperation that contributes to increasing the rates of trade exchange with Syria, which serves common interests. Source: Syrian Arab News Agency