PM visits Iraq with focus on boosting ties

AMMAN — Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Bisher Al Khawasneh on Thursday met his Iraqi Counterpart Mustafa Al Kadhimi in Baghdad and discussed bilateral ties and means of advancing cooperation in the political, economic, trade and investment fields.

Khawasneh, accompanied by a ministerial team, earlier the day arrived in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, for a one-day visit, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Khawasneh and Kadhimi, during the meeting that was followed by extended discussions attended by top officials from both sides, highlighted the "deep-rooted, historic and strategic" relations between the two countries, stressing the importance of enhancing coordination and optimising the available capabilities in both countries to achieve integration in strategic interests in all fields.

Khawasneh reiterated the Kingdom’s supportive stance towards Iraq’s efforts in strengthening its security and stability, as well as in combatting terrorism, Petra reported.

Talks also went over means of advancing economic relations, increasing trade exchange and boosting cooperation in the fields of energy, oil, electricity, agriculture, health and transportation, emphasising the necessity of the joint economic zone, which is under development to be implemented at the borders between the two countries.

The two sides also signed two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) in the fields of health, higher education and scientific research.

Khasawneh highlighted the importance of boosting trilateral cooperation between Jordan, Iraq and Egypt and translating it into reality in a way that realises the aspirations of the peoples of the three nations. 

The premier also reiterated Jordan’s support and assistance to Iraq in enhancing its stability and security and supporting Baghdad’s efforts in fighting terrorism.

For his part, Kadhimi welcomed Khasawneh’s visit to Iraq, stressing that the senior ministerial team accompanying the premier highlights the Kingdom’s keenness on having “developed” ties with Iraq.

The two prime ministers expressed both countries’ interest to complete the oil pipeline between the two countries, where they agreed to intensify communications to reach a framework agreement to embark on the project as soon as possible. 

Also on Thursday, Khasawneh met with Speaker of the Council of Representatives Mohamed Al Halbousi over means to enhance relations at all levels, highlighting the “deep-rooted” relations between Amman and Baghdad, according to Petra. 

The prime minister also said that His Majesty’s directives always focus on providing momentum to develop bilateral ties with Iraq and paying attention to the trilateral cooperation among Jordan, Iraq and Egypt, which serves the Arab cooperation process within a wider scope, Petra reported. 

For his part, Halbousi commended King Abdullah’s stances that support Iraq and his keenness to enhance bilateral ties.