Syria and Iraq signed on Thursday a cooperation protocol to enhance economic and social relations, Syria's official SANA news agency reported.

The protocol stressed the need to expand cooperation between companies of the two countries in various sectors.

A free trade zone will be established under the protocol, and exchanges of visits of delegations and businessmen will be facilitated.

The two-year protocol was signed by Chairman of Syrian Chambers of Commerce Federation Rateb al-Shallah and Chairman of Baghdad's Chamber of Commerce Mohammed Mohsen al-Qazaz.

(Xinhua News Agency September 9, 2005)