Shoukry discusses bilateral relations with Iraqi Parliament speaker

CAIRO – 4 October 2018: Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry met with Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mohamed al-Halbousi on Oct. 2 to discuss bilateral relations and recent developments in the Arab region, according to a statement issued by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ahmed Hafez.

During the meeting, Shoukry congratulated Halbousi on the conclusion of the presidential election which reflected the belief of the Iraqi people in the importance of completing the political process, Hafez’s statement reported.

The statement also added that Shoukry praised the Egyptian-Iraqi relations and stressed Egypt’s keenness to improve the political, economic, cultural and commercial cooperation between the two countries.

Furthermore, Shoukry affirmed during the meeting that Egypt supports Iraqi unity and asserted Egypt's confidence in the ability of Iraqi national institutions to overcome all obstacles and form an Iraqi government representing the Iraqi people.

For his side, Halbousi said that his government supports the relationship between the two sides. He expressed appreciation for the Egyptian efforts to support Iraqi affairs at all levels.

The speaker also highlighted Iraq’s keenness to strengthen bilateral cooperation with Egypt in various fields during the coming period to benefit from the Egyptian competencies.

Hafez’s statement reported that the meeting also tackled a number of Arab and regional issues of common concern. The two sides agreed on the need to strengthen coordination to face the challenges in the region and achieve peace and stability.