Jordan, Egypt, Iraq FMs talk trilateral cooperation in Amman

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Wednesday welcomed his counterpart from Iraq Fuad Hussein, and his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry over strategic coordination and integration as part of the trilateral Jordanian-Iraqi-Egyptian cooperation mechanism.

The meeting comes within a framework meant to generate closer partnerships between Jordan, Egypt and Iraq within the trilateral cooperation mechanism.

This mechanism is based on the aspirations of the three nations to increase coordination within the political, economic, commercial, industrial and security fields, among others, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

The ministers went over various areas of cooperation and reiterated the need to work towards mutual goals, and to take into account what has been previously agreed upon.

Safadi and Shoukry reaffirmed Jordan and Egypt’s full solidarity with Iraq, and their support for its security, stability and sovereignty, which they noted as a pillar of the security and stability of the region. The two also extended their congratulations to Iraq on the success of its political process.

They also discussed several Arab issues, including the Palestinian cause. On this issue, the ministers stressed ongoing efforts, coordination and consultation to resolve regional crises and serve Arab interests in order to achieve regional security and stability.

The ministers agreed to hold further meetings in preparation for the Egypt-hosted fourth trilateral cooperation mechanism summit next year.

In a joint statement following the meeting, the foreign ministers agreed to maintain institutional communications to follow up on submitted projects and to coordinate future steps to increase momentum, especially in light of the economic challenges that increased the urgency systematic cooperation.

Also on Wednesday, the three foreign ministers held a joint press conference, where Safadi said that the trilateral mechanism was launched as a basis for building upon the three countries' shared history and interests, with the aim of working together productively to increase regional cooperation and to provide a model for such cooperation.

"We are firmly convinced that our joint work will serve the common interest of all of us", Safadi added, emphasising that work is ongoing to implement many of the joint projects that have been agreed upon over the past several years.

Safadi also referred to Iraq's “significant historic” victory over Daesh, and Iraq's “steady and clear” start of reconstruction, which has demonstrated the success of the political process though the formation of the new government in Iraq. Safadi added that Jordan looks forward to working with the new government to pursue joint action and strengthen cooperation.

Shoukry said that the trilateral cooperation mechanism aims to strengthen the links between the three countries, support their economic integration and work towards achieving common interests.

He also congratulated Iraq on what has been achieved in the political process, which gives “a glimpse of hope” for Iraq’s stability, unity and territorial sovereignty, and Iraq’s continuing status as a key component of joint Arab action and regional stability.

The Egyptian minister noted that the three countries face many challenges given the existing geopolitical climate, economic pressures arising from the Ukrainian crisis and food security and energy security issues. All issues necessitate further cooperation to address them. Solidarity, cooperation and joint action will increase the possibility of overcoming these obstacles, he said.

Hussein said that the cooperation mechanism has persisted over the last three Iraqi governments, adding that Iraq attaches great importance to joint action in various economic, political and international issues. The Iraqi minister also noted that this meeting covered several topics related to economic projects.

Challenges pertaining to food, medicine and energy security, which go beyond national borders, require strengthening regional and international relations to address them, Hussein said.

In response to a question regarding the Partnership and Cooperation Conference, Safadi stressed that the Baghdad Conference was held to support Iraq. The conference's main feature was to discuss methods of cooperation in support of Iraq, and its security and stability, sovereignty, economy and achievements, he added.

Preparations are underway to host the second edition of the Conference this month, he noted.

In response to Shoukry’s praise of Jordan and Iraq’s support for Egyptian water security, Safadi affirmed that Egyptian water security is part of the security of Arab states more broadly. Jordan is consistent in its support of Egypt, he added.