INA: Joint statement of the Iraqi-Jordanian joint committee, Baghdad

INA - BAGHDAD

The Iraqi News Agency - INA published the joint statement of the Iraqi-Jordanian Committee in Baghdad. It goes as the following:

-    Within the framework of strong brotherly relations between the Republic of Iraq and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, a meeting in Baghdad between Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani and Prime Minister Bisher Al-Khasawneh, along with the Minister of Defense of Jordan to strengthen cooperation and enhance coordination mechanisms across various sectors, including the economic, commercial, industrial, and security fields. The meeting aimed to develop joint efforts further and pursue strategic integration between the two nations.

-    Both sides reiterated the robust and strategic nature of their historical brotherly relationship, which stands as a unique model of solidarity founded on mutual respect and shared perspectives. They expressed their keenness for increased cooperation and joint coordination to address challenges together and to develop further and strengthen bilateral relations, aiming for broader horizons that serve the common interests of both nations.

-    Jordan affirmed the significance of Iraq and its security as a fundamental pillar of the region. Furthermore, Jordan expressed its unwavering support for the Iraqi government's endeavors to fulfill the aspirations of the Iraqi people, especially in light of the historic victory over terrorist gangs. In this regard, Jordan stands firmly committed to providing absolute support to its brotherly nation, Iraq, in all its efforts.

-    Both sides engaged in talks on various Arab matters, with particular emphasis on the Palestinian issue and finding solutions to the Syrian crisis. They reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing collaboration, coordination, and consultation in their joint efforts to address regional crises and advance the interests of the Arab nations. The primary goal remains to achieve security and stability in the region for the collective benefit of all.

-    Both sides strongly condemned the repeated acts of burning the Holy Quran, recognizing the profound impact it has had on Muslims worldwide, stirring emotions and unrest. They urged all nations to demonstrate respect for the sentiments and sanctities of others and called on states to fulfill their responsibilities in countering all forms of abusive actions that foster hatred and racism. 

-    Iraq emphasized the significance of the historical Hashemite Custodianship over Islamic and Christian holy sites in Al-Quds. Iraq acknowledged the crucial role played by this custodianship in safeguarding these sacred places and preserving their Arab, Islamic, and Christian character, as well as their established legal and historical status.

-    The discussions centered on enhancing trade exchange, expanding cooperation in economic, trade, and investment domains, and strengthening the role of the private sector in boosting trade volume between the two countries. The focal points included industry, energy, investment, transportation, agriculture, the environment, healthcare, and education. These efforts aim to benefit both nations and foster prosperity for their respective peoples.

-    The two sides emphasized the significance of overcoming obstacles to elevate bilateral relations. They highlighted the crucial role of joint efforts in developing economic and trade ties, which serve as a fundamental pillar supporting these enhanced relations. 

-    Both sides stressed the importance of implementing the agreements and documents signed during the 29th session of the Iraqi-Jordanian Joint Committee.

-    Within the tripartite framework, the focus is on implementing the outcomes of the Iraqi-Jordanian-Egyptian summits, particularly the latest one held in Baghdad on 6/27/2021. The key priority is to carry out projects and establish partnerships aimed at maximizing the benefits outlined in the memorandum of understanding for industrial integration among Iraq, Jordan, and Egypt, which is now in effect in all three countries.

-    Both sides reviewed the latest developments in the joint economic city project and urged the Iraqi-Jordanian Company for Industry, jointly owned by the two governments, to accelerate its efforts and commence the implementation of the project as per the agreed timetable.

-    The two sides emphasized the importance of strengthening energy cooperation and reviewed the progress in completing the electrical interconnection project. The first phase, supplying the Rutba region on the Iraqi side at 132 kV, and the second phase, supplying the Qaim region on the Iraqi side at 400 kV, were discussed with a commitment to meeting the specified timetable. The discussions also covered the progress on extending a pipeline for exporting Iraqi oil through Jordan's territory from the port of Aqaba, providing an additional outlet for Iraqi oil exports through Jordan. Both sides expressed appreciation for the extension of the Memorandum of Understanding to supply Jordan with Iraqi oil and explored the potential of increasing the supply, considering technical and logistical capacities.

-    Both sides agreed to promptly facilitate entry visa issuance through their embassies.

-    Both sides stressed the significance of elevating food security, enhancing food integration, and bolstering the strategic stock of essential commodities in both nations.

-    In the health sector, both sides emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation and share experiences in all aspects of health and pharmaceutical collaboration. This includes facilitating mutual registration of medicines and easing the process of registering Iraqi medicines in Jordan. Additionally, the two sides agreed on mutual recognition of national medical fellowships in both countries.

-    In the sector of promoting and supporting investment, both sides assessed the investment environments in their respective countries. They reached an agreement to form a joint Iraqi-Jordanian working team dedicated to investment matters. The primary objective of this group is to facilitate investors from both nations and expedite the procedures related to their investments in each other's countries.

-    In the transport sector, both sides emphasized its significance in stimulating economic growth and generating employment opportunities. They urged relevant authorities in both countries to enhance communication and collaboratively address any challenges facing the sector. The meeting also included a review of Iraqi economic development projects, including the Basra project (Iraq's economic capital) and the Iraqi Development Road project, evaluating the progress made in these initiatives.