President Abdel Fattah El Sisi met Iraqi Minister of Defence Lieutenant General Juma Inad Saadoun al-Jubouri, at the Presidential Palace in Cairo on Saturday.
The Iraqi minister of defence handed the president a message from Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, in which he highlighted his country’s appreciation of the efforts Egypt makes in supporting Iraq at all levels, Presidency Spokesman Ambassador Bassam Radi said.
In his message to President Sisi, the Iraqi premier also highlighted his country’s aspirations to enhance co-operation with Egypt, benefit from its ‘inspiring’ experience in the field of development and copy this experience in Iraq.
Ambassador Radi quoted Prime Minister Kadhimi as describing Egyptian efforts in supporting Iraq as a ‘strategic depth’ for the Arab nation.
This is especially clear in facing common challenges between Egypt and Iraq, on top of which is the fight against terrorism and the achievement of security, stability and development, the spokesman added.
President Sisi asked Minister al-Jubouri to convey his greetings to Iraqi President Barham Salih and Prime Minister Kadhimi.
He said Egypt is keen on boosting co-operation with Iraq in all fields, in the light of Egypt’s continued policy of support for Iraq and boosting its role within the Arab nation.
President Sisi also said that Egypt strives to help Iraq serve the interests of its people at all levels, overcome all challenges, including the fight against terrorism, and preserve its security and stability, Spokesman Radi said.
Talks between the president and the Iraqi minister focused on military co-operation between Cairo and Baghdad, including through joint training of troops, the transfer of expertise and enhancing the capabilities of the Iraqi army.
The talks also covered a number of Arab and regional files of mutual interest, the spokesman said.