Sisi hopes Iraq summit would pave way for new phase of strategic partnership

Addressing the summit, which kicked off in the Iraqi capital earlier Sunday, Sisi said his presence in Baghdad “embodies a strong relationship between both our countries and peoples”. Sisi said he is keen on further boosting bilateral ties to best meet common interests.

This summit follows two others in Cairo and Amman, Sisi said, hoping it would herald the start of a new phase of strategic partnership and close cooperation between the three Arab countries to achieve sustainable development.

Sisi greatly appreciated supportive stances of Iraq and Jordan regarding Egypt’s water rights, which is a key issue of Arab national security.

It is part of Arab water rights in general, the Egyptian president said, noting that his country likewise supports the water rights of both Iraq and Jordan.

Arab water rights are integral part of the national security, and this, Sisi stressed, entails continued coordination and cooperation to maintain those rights.

Egypt is always acting for the good of this region and its peoples and is keen on extending bridges of cooperation with the Arab world, Sisi told the summit.

He also reiterated commitment to trilateral cooperation with Iraq and Jordan, stressing that it is a top priority.

This could only be translated into a number of strategic projects that had already been agreed between the three sides, while taking into consideration coronavirus repercussions for the economy, the president said.

Egypt, he added, is willing to share its medical potentials with all Arabs to counter this exceptional pandemic that threatens the whole world.

This summit is a good chance to continue consultations about regional issues, especially in light of unacceptable foreign interferences to control the area and undermine Arab national security, Sisi said.

He called for Arab unity in the face of crises and threats, atop of which terrorism and extremism. Sisi was pleased with what Iraq achieved in its fight against terrorists.

The president said Egypt is acting to reach a political settlement to the Libyan problem based on the outcome of the Berlin Summit, the Cairo Declaration and international legitimacy resolutions.

This could not possibly be reached without an end to all foreign interference in Libya and the withdrawal of all foreign troops and mercenaries, Sisi said.

He stressed the importance of maintaining ceasefire until Libyan elections are held in December.

A military solution is not needed in Syria, President Sisi said, calling for a political settlement to end the operations and foreign interference there – one that meets the lawful demands of the Syrian people while maintaining Syria’s unity and sovereignty.

About the Palestinian problem, Sisi underscored Egypt’s non-stop efforts to revive the peace process based on a two-state solution with the aim to establish an independent Palestinian state on the pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

At the end, Sisi thanked the Iraqi prime minister for hosting this summit, which is also attended by Jordanian King Abdullah II.