Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates, expressed Egypt's aspiration to enhance the participation of Egyptian companies in infrastructure and reconstruction projects in Iraq, expand trade exchange, and open the Iraqi markets to Egyptian products, while reviewing Egyptian expertise in various sectors.
The Minister also emphasized the importance of advancing the trilateral cooperation mechanism between Egypt, Iraq, and Jordan, accelerating the implementation of priority projects, and intensifying coordination among technical committees to overcome obstacles and achieve tangible results that serve mutual interests.
This came during a meeting held yesterday, Saturday, by Dr. Badr Abdelatty with Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani, former Iraqi Prime Minister and head of the Reconstruction and Development Coalition, in the capital, Baghdad. Minister Abdelatty commended the efforts made by Al-Sudani during his tenure as Prime Minister to develop Egyptian-Iraqi relations, particularly in the economic and commercial fields, and his role in supporting the presence of Egyptian companies in the Iraqi market and implementing developmental projects.
Ambassador Nader Zaki, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that Minister Abdelatty affirmed that Egypt views the security and stability of Iraq as a pivotal element in the Arab national security system, stemming from the historical ties and mutual interests that bring the two brotherly countries together. He stressed Egypt's full support for Iraq's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national institutions, and its rejection of any interference in its internal affairs.
The Foreign Minister also expressed his appreciation for the Iraqi efforts aimed at strengthening state authority and consolidating security and stability, praising the Iraqi approach based on avoiding involvement in regional conflicts, and the importance of building upon it to enhance Egyptian-Iraqi coordination in facing common challenges, contributing to containing tensions, and safeguarding regional security and stability.
The meeting also addressed regional developments, foremost among which are the latest situations in the Gaza Strip and the Gulf region, and the repercussions of regional tensions on the security of international navigation. Views were exchanged on the most prominent current challenges and ways to address them in a manner that contributes to de-escalation and enhances security and stability in the region.
