Ties with Iraq historic, deeply rooted

President Sisi voiced thanks to Saleh for the warm reception and hospitality, and highly appreciated the close and historic relations between the two sisterly countries at the official and popular levels.

He also stressed the intertwining civilisational and cultural ties binding the two countries, saying that Egypt would further work to enhance co-operation with Iraq at all levels, Presidency Spokesman Ambassador Bassam Radi said.

President Sisi referred to the ties binding Cairo and Baghdad as firm, deep-rooted and historic.

The president hoped success of the executive authority in Iraq in overcoming difficulties facing the state during this important juncture, the spokesman said.

The president affirmed Egypt’s keenness to develop bilateral co-operation with Iraq into a sustainable framework of economic integration and strategic partnership, amid the enormous challenges in the region, as well as the economic and social impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, Ambassador Radi said.

For his part, the Iraqi president welcomed President Sisi as a dear guest to Baghdad, and stressed the deep-rooted ties between the two sisterly countries.

President Saleh said that his country was eager to elevate ties with Egypt to the level of strategic partnership, for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries.

He said that Egypt is a cornerstone for security and stability in the entire region.

Iraq is looking forward to benefiting more from Egypt’s successful experience in implementing development projects and comprehensive economic reforms, Saleh said.

Iraq will also benefit from Egypt’s vigorous efforts in combating terrorism and extremism, through boosting communication and coordination between educational, cultural and religious institutions in the two countries, the Iraqi president said.

The two leaders also conferred on major regional issues of mutual interest, Spokesman Radi said.