Egypt and Iraq affirmed Tuesday keenness on bolstering joint Arab work to counter various challenges facing Arab nation and achieve the hopes and aspirations of the people to live in peace and stability. This came in meeting between Egyptian President Abdul Fattah El-Sisi and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Al-Sudani. The two exchanged perspectives on regional issues of common interest in light of the pivotal role of both nations, reported Egyptian Presidency spokesperson Ahmad Fahmy via statement. El-Sisi underlined Egypt's unwavering support to security and stability in Iraq, stressing keenness on boosting and diversifying bilateral cooperation in fields of politics, economy, trade and culture. El-Sisi referred to the firm constants of the Egyptian policy with regard to supporting Iraq and providing full support to the Iraqi people at various levels, especially in combating terrorism and consolidating security and stability. El-Sisi also expressed Egypt's keenness to activate and diversify the frameworks of joint bilateral cooperation in various political, economic, commercial and cultural fields, and to accelerate the implementation of joint projects between the two countries. The cooperation will be in accordance to the needs of the Iraqi people, in a way that enhances integration between the two sides and achieves common development goals, in addition to continuing work within the framework of Tripartite cooperation mechanism with Jordan. Premier Al-Sudani commended the deeply rooted ties between the two nations, adding that pace of exchanged visits reflects keenness on broadening horizons of bilateral ties and benefiting from Egyptian capabilities and expertise. The Iraqi premier described the Egyptian role in mediating current crises and challenges as a role model in safekeeping stability and furthering development of socioeconomic situations. For his part, the Iraqi prime minister expressed his appreciation for the Egyptian efforts in support of Iraq at all levels. Al-Sudani also stressed Iraq's keenness to strengthen the established frameworks of bilateral cooperation with Egypt and explore mechanisms to push it to broader horizons and benefit from Egyptian competencies in various fields. The meeting also witnessed an exchange of views on a number of Arab and regional issues of common interest, as the two sides agreed on the importance of continuing intensive coordination to address the challenges facing the region, in order to achieve the aspirations of its peoples to live in peace and stability. The Iraqi prime minister is visiting Egypt for the second time in about 100 days, where he heads a high-level delegation that includes 12 Iraqi ministers, in addition to several Iraqi businessmen, to meet with their Egyptian counterparts. The Iraqi Ministry of Trade revealed that 10 agreements between Cairo and Baghdad have been completed and will be signed by the prime ministers of the two countries during Al-Sudani's visit to Egypt. The agreements are in the fields of sports and youth, housing, construction, labor, and social affairs. — Agencies
