Ashraf AboArafe
April 2, 2023
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sameh Shoukry, received Mr. Muhammad Al-Halbousi, Speaker of Parliament, the brotherly Republic of Iraq.
Ambassador Ahmed Abu Zaid, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the Foreign Minister welcomed the Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament in his second country, Egypt, at the beginning of the meeting, expressing the aspiration to enhance joint cooperation in a way that enhances the interests of the two countries and the two brotherly peoples within the framework of their historical relations, brotherhood and unity. A common destiny and goals, with an emphasis on Egypt’s full support for the security and stability of Iraq and its efforts in the war on terrorism. Shoukry also stressed the importance of the role of parliaments in consolidating relations between Egypt and Iraq, expressing his satisfaction with the cooperation witnessed by the legislative institutions of the two countries.
The Foreign Ministry spokesman added that Mr. Sameh Shoukry referred to the directives of the President of the Republic to push cooperation with brotherly Iraq to the broadest horizons, praising the tangible development in bilateral relations between the two countries and within the framework of the tripartite cooperation mechanism between Egypt, Iraq and Jordan, which Egypt views from a strategic perspective. Comprehensive to link common interests and maximize the benefits that will accrue to all parties, and look forward to the implementation of joint projects agreed upon within the framework of the mechanism as soon as possible.
Ambassador Abu Zeid said that the foreign minister expressed his aspiration for the joint Egyptian-Iraqi higher committee to convene at the level of the prime ministers of the two countries in Cairo during the coming period. He also indicated Egypt’s interest in responding to Iraqi demands for the participation of Egyptian companies in reconstruction projects in Iraq, in light of the extensive experience that Egyptian companies possess, taking into account the start of implementing a number of projects already.
For his part, the Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament expressed full appreciation for Egypt’s pivotal role in the security and stability of the entire region, appreciating Egypt’s continuous support to his country. He also stressed Iraq’s keenness to continue advancing the well-established bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries, and to enhance joint cooperation as a successful model for Arab cooperation, whether at the bilateral level or within the framework of the tripartite cooperation mechanism.
The Foreign Ministry spokesman concluded his remarks, noting that the meeting also dealt with a number of international and regional files of interest and common challenges facing the region. It was also agreed at the end of the meeting to continue consultation and coordination at all levels between the officials of the two brotherly countries and to push bilateral relations to broader horizons.
