Egypt, Iraq to implement joint projects

Egypt and Iraq are set to implement joint projects to achieve their shared development objectives, promote integration between the two nations and satisfy the needs of Iraqi people, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi stated in a meeting on Sunday.

Egypt is keen on activating and diversifying the frameworks of bilateral cooperation with Iraq on political, economic, commercial and cultural levels, said the Egyptian Presidential Spokesman Ahmed Fahmy in a statement. Egypt is also eager to maintain a trilateral cooperation with Iraq and Jordan.

“The bilateral cooperation comes in light of Egypt’s role in fostering joint Arab action mechanisms, as the region faces continuous crises and challenges, as the country is a role model for advancing development, economic and social conditions,” said Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Al Sudani.

Egypt is going to be in constant support to Iraq’s security, stability and the people in all aspects, especially in counterterrorism, stated al-Sisi.

The meeting between the two country’s officials discussed some mutual regional issues, and agreed on the importance of a continuous coordination to face those issues.

Both countries agreed to activate MoUs signed by both sides in the next two months, said the Egyptian Cabinet. Prime Ministers of both countries agreed that the cooperation comes in line with thorough preparations for meetings of the upcoming round of the Egyptian-Iraqi Joint Higher Committee.

Egypt, Iraq and Jordan have previously held five summits since 2019, the last was at the Dead Sea in Jordan in December, to discuss implementation of tripartite strategic projects. The three countries have signed multiple agreements to boost relations and joint projects like the power linkage project.

Jordan has been planning to supply Iraq with electricity in 2023, as well as Egypt, which will be delivering electricity to Iraq via Jordan through linking their power grids.

The three countries are also set to build an industrial city on the Iraqi-Jordanian border, as well as working on implementing an oil pipeline project linking Iraq and Jordan, and will be benefiting Egypt.

Egypt currently has a 550 MW power link with Jordan, and is set to be boosted to reach Iraq as well by June, Egyptian PM, Moustafa Madbouly stated. The power line between Egypt and Jordan can be boosted up to three GW, added Madbouly.

“We view this trilateral cooperation from a comprehensive strategic perspective in order to link our interests and maximize the joint advantages that would benefit all sides,” said Madbouly.

Current discussions to establish a logistical zone on Iraqi-Jordanian borders to aid securing goods and commodities, and Egypt can also benefit from this project by providing Egyptian goods to the Iraqi markets, according to Al Sudani.