FM, Iraqi counterpart meet in Amman over cooperation

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Ayman Safadi and Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein on Tuesday in Amman held expanded talks to follow up on the outcomes of talks between His Majesty King Abdullah and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani held in Amman in November.

The talks between His Majesty and the Iraqi prime minister aimed to enhance cooperation and develop "historic" relations between the two countries, according to a ministry statement.

Safadi and Hussein said that Jordan and Iraq are continuing projects and programmes to expand cooperation in various economic, commercial and investment fields, as well as anti-terrorism efforts, enhanced security and stability, improved coordination over Arab and regional issues and cooperation on joint challenges, the statement said.

The two ministers stressed their keenness to develop trilateral cooperation with Egypt. Safadi, Hussein and Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry are scheduled to meet in Amman on Wednesday.

Safadi stressed that the security and stability of Iraq is a main pillar for the security and stability of the region, and that the Kingdom supports Iraq’s efforts to preserve its sovereignty, protect its interests and realise the aspirations of its people.

Hussein expressed Iraq’s appreciation for the Kingdom’s stances and King Abdullah’s efforts supporting Iraq, reiterating the “deep-rooted” ties between the two countries and his keenness to further develop them.

The two ministers also discussed developments in the region, and specifically the Palestinian cause, stressing ongoing coordination on efforts to resolve regional crises and realise regional security and stability to serve joint and pan-Arab interests.