Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi discussed ways to accelerate joint electricity and oil linkage projects involving Egypt, Iraq and Jordan during a meeting in Baghdad.

The meeting comes ahead of Al-Zaidi’s planned visit to Egypt on November 23, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Sunday.

The talks also covered ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation and efforts to de-escalate regional tensions and promote security and stability.

They discussed activating the trilateral cooperation mechanism between Egypt, Iraq and Jordan and accelerating joint projects, particularly in electricity interconnection and oil, to strengthen economic integration and serve the three countries’ shared interests.

Advancing Economic Ties

The foreign minister underscored the importance of advancing economic, trade and investment cooperation with Iraq, particularly by expanding the participation of Egyptian companies in Iraq’s infrastructure, reconstruction and development projects.

He highlighted the potential to leverage Egyptian expertise in construction, transportation, energy, agriculture and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

The foreign minister also stressed the need to increase bilateral trade and facilitate access for Egyptian products to the Iraqi market.

Supporting Iraq Amid Regional Crises

Abdelatty praised the growing momentum in Egyptian-Iraqi relations and continued communication at various levels.

He also reaffirmed Egypt’s firm support for Iraq’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, rejecting any foreign interference in its internal affairs.

Abdelatty commended the Iraqi government’s efforts to strengthen domestic security and consolidate state authority and institutions, including placing weapons under state control.

He also praised Iraq’s approach of avoiding involvement in regional conflicts and preventing its territory from being used to threaten neighboring countries.

The foreign minister stressed the importance of protecting Iraq from the repercussions of regional tensions and preserving its security and development gains.

Gaza Peace Plan

On regional issues, Abdelatty outlined Egypt’s efforts to complete the implementation of the US president’s peace plan for the Gaza Strip in all its phases, ensure unimpeded humanitarian aid deliveries and secure a continued Israeli withdrawal from the enclave.

He emphasized the importance of maintaining a unified Arab position in addressing challenges to peace efforts.

Regional Crises

The talks also covered developments in Syria and Yemen, as well as the impact of regional tensions on international maritime security, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz.

Both sides agreed on the importance of intensifying consultations and coordination in the coming period.