UPDATE – Egypt, Iraq explore ways to boost bilateral relations

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By Hussameldin Abdelgadir and Salih Mohamed

ISTANBUL (AA) – Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani met in Cairo on Tuesday to discuss ways of enhancing bilateral ties.

The Iraqi premier arrived in Egypt on Monday, his second official visit since taking charge last year.

His office said the talks covered a host of regional and international issues, and the two emphasized “sustaining mutual cooperation and translating it into concrete actions and further strengthening partnership between the two nations."

The Egyptian leader expressed “appreciation for Iraq's contribution to fostering regional stability and security.”

“Egypt is eager to broaden the scope of cooperation with Iraq in various domains, aiming for a long-term partnership that advances the development and prosperity of all friendly nations,” he added.

Following the talks, al-Sudani and his Egyptian counterpart Mostafa Madbouly co-chaired a meeting of the Egyptian-Iraqi Joint Higher Committee.

The two premiers also witnessed the signing of 11 agreements on economy, foreign affairs, administrative development, tourism, trade, sports, social solidarity and planning.

Trade exchange between Egypt and Iraq reached $540 million in 2022, down from nearly $1 billion a year earlier, according to Egypt’s state statistics agency CAPMAS.

Last December, Egypt said Iraq ranks 25th in the list of countries investing in the country, with investments worth $500 million in 3,500 projects.

*Writing by Ikram Kouachi