Iraq, Morocco Discuss Regional Issues And Challenges

Baghdad /NINA/- Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein discussed, today, Saturday, with his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita, regional issues and challenges facing the region.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that "the Minister of Foreign Affairs met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Residing Abroad, Nasser Bourita, at the headquarters of the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where the two sides discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations and expand the horizons of cooperation between the two countries." 

Bourita stressed - according to the statement - "the importance of Fuad Hussein's visit to Morocco," noting "the need to activate the mechanisms of joint work and structure cooperation between the two countries." 

He stressed "the importance of Iraq being an economic platform for Morocco in the region, and Morocco being an investment platform for Iraq at the African level," expressing his welcome to "the convening of the joint committee between the two countries at the level of foreign ministers," considering that "this will give momentum to important bilateral relations." 

 For his part, Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein expressed his "happiness with his second visit to the Kingdom of Morocco," stressing the need to "develop economic relations and explore available opportunities through cooperation within the framework of the joint committee." 

He stressed "the importance of enhancing cooperation between institutions and companies in vital sectors, including finance, industry, tourism, and trade, in addition to joint work in the African arena." 

The statement added that "the two sides discussed regional issues and challenges facing the region, as Fuad Hussein expressed Iraq's aspiration to host the next Arab summit, expressing his hope for effective participation from the Kingdom of Morocco, and stressed the importance of security cooperation and the exchange of information and expertise, noting that Iraq has gained extensive experience in combating terrorism." 

The statement continued, "Within the framework of enhancing cultural and sports exchange, the two sides stressed the need to encourage official visits between government delegations, in addition to supporting investments and businessmen. They also discussed the possibility of cooperation in the field of sports and youth, especially in light of Morocco's preparations to host the FIFA World Cup, which opens new horizons for strengthening the partnership between the two countries in this sector." 

 The statement explained that "the two ministers agreed on the importance of investing in the capabilities of the Iraqi and Moroccan communities abroad, and benefiting from national expertise and competencies in supporting the development process in the two countries." The statement concluded that "this meeting comes within the framework of joint efforts to enhance Iraqi-Moroccan cooperation, and open new horizons for strategic partnership between the two countries in various fields." / End