Foreign Ministers of Iraq and Egypt Discuss Bilateral Relations, Call for Ensuring Freedom of Navigation

Baghdad, November 3 (KUNA) -- Iraqi Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein held talks with his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty, on Tuesday, discussing bilateral relations between the two countries, developments in the region, and threats to navigation in international sea lanes. The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that Hussein received a phone call from Abdelatty, which covered ways to develop bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries and enhance cooperation in various fields in a manner that serves common interests and strengthens the prospects of partnership between Iraq and Egypt. The statement noted that the two ministers discussed preparations for the fourth session of the Iraq-Egypt Supreme Joint Commission to be held in Cairo, expressing their aspiration for the success of its work and the achievement of practical and tangible outcomes that contribute to enhancing economic, trade, and investment cooperation. It clarified that the two sides also addressed recent developments and events in the region, emphasizing the importance of continuing diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions, containing crises, avoiding escalation, and resorting to dialogue and peaceful solutions. The two ministers warned of the dangerous repercussions of ongoing tensions on the security and stability of the region, and stressed the necessity of guaranteeing freedom of navigation in international sea lanes and protecting them from any threats or practices that could harm their security and the smooth flow of international trade. (End) A.H.H. / M.A.H.A.