Jordan, Iraq ministers sign MoU to enhance security cooperation

AMMAN — Jordan and Iraq on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on security cooperation.

Interior Minister Mazen Faraya and his Iraqi counterpart Abdulamir Kamel Al Shammari, who is currently in Jordan on an official visit, signed the MoU with the aim of strengthening security cooperation, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

The memo outlines cooperation in preventing and combating global terrorism and its financing, in addition to tackling organised crime, illicit drugs and psychoactive substances trafficking, illicit firearms trafficking, human trafficking, smuggling, illegal border crossing, money laundering, murder and assault.

The MoU also focuses on information and expertise exchange to prevent terrorist or criminal acts in both countries, as well as facilitating meetings and visits between security personnel.

Faraya emphasised that this move represents the fruit of shared aspirations to boost security cooperation. 

Fighting transnational crimes and mitigating their impact requires modern and innovative tactics, he said.

He also stressed the importance of a unified stance between both countries, which he sees as a tool to strengthen security cooperation in various fields and safeguard the security of both countries. 

In response, the Iraqi minister noted that the memorandum represents a significant step towards enhancing security cooperation between the two nations. 

Stressing the mutual benefits of security and stability between the two nations, he commended the efforts of the Jordanian armed forces in safeguarding the Kingdom’s borders, noting that his country's borders with Jordan remain secure without imposing security pressures on Iraqi authorities.

Shammari stressed that frequent communication between the two ministries will create new avenues for coordinated efforts to minimise the potential consequences of any threats. 

He also noted that the Iraqi Ministry of Interior has also simplified visa procedures for Jordanian citizens, reducing issuance time.

The guest delegation’s tour includes a visit to the Public Security Directorate, affiliated training centres and Jordan Design and Development Bureau (JODDB).

Also on Wednesday, Director of Public Security Directorate Maj. Gen. Obaidullah Maaytah, in the presence of Faraya, met with Shammari and his accompanying security delegation.

Their discussions explored avenues to enhance relations between both countries' security apparatuses, notably in strengthening cooperation and exchanging security and police expertise, Petra added.