Egyptian FM, Iraqi Speaker discuss reconstruction projects, regional security

Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shokry met Sunday with Speaker of the House of Representatives Mohamed al-Halbousy, expressing Egypt's aspiration to bolster joint cooperation, as well as support to Iraq's security, stability, and war on terror.

The minister also commended the increasing cooperation between the legislative bodies of both countries, and the existing trilateral collaboration mechanism with Jordan. In that framework, he stressed that Egypt looked forward to the implementation of projects planned within the mechanism in the near future.

Minister Shokry further expressed Egypt's care about fulfilling the requests of Iraq to encourage Egyptian companies to take part in reconstruction projects, noting that the execution of some projects had already begun. He also expressed hope for more fruitful outcomes during the convention of the Egyptian-Iraqi Supreme Committee to be chaired by the prime minister of both countries in the coming period.

On his side, Speaker Halbousi expressed appreciation for Egypt's pivotal role in maintaining security and stability in the region, valuing Egyptian support to Iraq, and stipulating the country's keenness on consolidating bilateral relations.