MOFA affirms Iraq's aspiration to raise the pace of bilateral cooperation with Manama

Baghdad - INA

Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein affirmed Iraq's aspiration to raise the pace of bilateral cooperation with Manama at various levels.

A statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA) stated that "the Minister of Foreign Affairs met with his Bahraini counterpart Abdul Latif Al-Zayani, on the sidelines of the joint ministerial meeting of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf held in Riyadh."

Hussein stressed the importance of strengthening aspects of bilateral relations by diversifying the frameworks of consultation to contribute to achieving the aspirations of Baghdad and Manama, and to raise the pace of bilateral cooperation for the overall ongoing efforts, at various political, economic, health and development levels, for the benefit of both countries.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs called for the importance of holding the meetings of the joint committee as soon as possible, and activating the memorandum of understanding in political consultations, "pointing out that national security is related to the security of the region, and its repercussions are reflected on the region, and in the context of further consolidation of bilateral relations."

 He expressed Iraq's readiness to raise the level of diplomatic representation and overcome all obstacles, calling for fruitful bilateral cooperation in international forums, stressing the importance of re-examining the technical agreements concluded between the two countries on education, tourism, and investment, in the context of activating joint cooperation between the two countries.

And he indicated that "Iraq pursues a policy of balance in its relations, especially with neighboring countries, and its stances on regional and regional issues, stressing that the Iraqi government looks forward to commending the best established strategic relations with the Gulf states in accordance with the principle of activating common interests.".

For his part, the Bahraini Foreign Minister affirmed the Kingdom's interest, and the King's emphasis on strengthening relations with Iraq, pointing to his country's interest in the stability of the security situation in Iraq because of its positive impact on stability in the region.