House speaker reaffirms Jordan's support for Iraq

AMMAN — Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid on Wednesday received Lower House Speaker Ahmad Safadi, during which he highlighted the “solid and deep-rooted” nature of Jordanian-Iraqi relations, noting that bilateral ties between the two countries represent "a source of pride", and serve mutual interests. 

The Iraqi president also called for sustaining cooperation and coordination between the two countries and utilising these relations in instilling regional stability and security, mainly against terrorism and extremism, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.  

Rashid stressed Iraq's readiness to offer assistance to the Jordanian people, commending the Kingdom's stances in support of the Iraqi people. 

He also stressed the importance of cooperation in all political, economic, educational and health fields in a way that serves joint interests. 

Safadi reiterated the Kingdom's keenness to support Iraq in facing the challenge of terrorism and helping to enhance economic, political and security cooperation.

Also on Wednesday, Jordan's Lower House speaker delivered a speech at the Iraqi Council of Representatives, stressing that the Kingdom will remain a supporter of Iraq’s work to eliminate terrorism.

Safadi stressed the importance of the trilateral cooperation mechanism among Jordan, Iraq and Egypt, and the economic projects that the three countries have agreed on, including the electric connection project. 

Safadi also referred to the outcomes of the Baghdad conference that the Kingdom hosted recently, Petra reported. 

Outcomes of summits are important in realising economic integration, enhancing “brotherhood and friendship” among peoples of the region and instilling the values of tolerance, he added. 

The speaker also reiterated the importance of translating Jordanian-Iraqi relations into practical steps that can benefit both peoples, stressing that Iraq “will rise again” to resume its role as a supporter of Arab nations.

The Lower House speaker also met with his Iraqi counterpart Mohammed Al Halbousi.

During the meeting Safadi emphasised the importance of building upon the outcomes of the second edition of the Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership, which was held in Jordan about a month ago, according to Petra.

He also highlighted support for Iraq’s security and stability, and the country’s efforts to instil the rule of constitution and law, strengthen governance, build institutions capable of continuing progress and reconstruction, and fulfil the aspirations of the Iraqi people.

Halbousi expressed appreciation for Jordan’s stances in support of his country and urged the two parliaments to scale up efforts to unite efforts and activate the signed agreements between the two countries and to continue cooperation among the Arab, Asian and Islamic Parliament and the Inter-Parliamentary Union to support mutual issues, emphasising both countries’ supportive stance to the Palestinian cause.

He also emphasised Iraqi parliamentary support for the outcomes of the tripartite summit and bilateral agreements signed by the two countries in the security, industrial and commercial sectors.

Halbousi also highlighted importance of finalising the electrical interconnection project and the oil pipeline to Aqaba to increase national revenues and export outlets.