Baghdad:Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty met with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi to discuss enhancing bilateral relations, expanding cooperation, and consulting on regional developments. The talks focused on efforts to de-escalate tensions and promote regional security and stability.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Abdelatty conveyed President Abdel Fattah El Sisi's greetings to the Iraqi Prime Minister and expressed anticipation for his upcoming visit to Cairo on November 23. He praised the growing momentum in Egyptian-Iraqi relations and reaffirmed Egypt's support for Iraq's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, while rejecting any foreign interference in Iraq's internal affairs.
The minister highlighted the importance of advancing economic, trade, and investment cooperation. He emphasized enhancing the participation of Egyptian companies in Iraq's infrastructure, reconstruction, and development projects and leveraging Egyptian expertise in sectors such as construction, transport, energy, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals. Abdelatty called for increasing trade exchange and facilitating access for Egyptian products to Iraqi markets.
The meeting also focused on activating the trilateral cooperation mechanism between Egypt, Iraq, and Jordan, particularly in accelerating the implementation of joint projects in electricity and oil interconnection. This cooperation aims to support economic integration and serve the shared interests of the three countries.
Abdelatty commended the Iraqi government's efforts to strengthen domestic security and consolidate state authority, ensuring that weapons remain under state control. He also praised Iraq for avoiding involvement in regional conflicts and preventing its territory from being used to threaten neighboring countries, stressing the importance of preserving Iraq's security and development gains.
The discussions also covered several regional issues of mutual interest. Abdelatty outlined Egypt's efforts to implement US President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan, ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid, and secure the continued Israeli withdrawal from the Strip. He emphasized the need for a unified Arab position to address challenges facing peace efforts.
Additionally, the talks addressed developments in Syria and Yemen and the impact of regional tensions on international maritime security, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz. Both sides agreed on the importance of intensifying consultations and coordination between the two countries in the future.