Al-Mashat emphasizes Egypt's commitment, both from the government and the people, to strengthen relations with the brotherly country of Iraq... Discusses preparations for the third session of the Egyptian-Iraqi Higher Committee and efforts to increase investments.

H.E. President Abdul Latif Rashid, President of the Republic of Iraq, received H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, during the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum. The meeting was attended by Fouad Hussein, Iraq's Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Eng. Hassan Al-Khatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation expressed Egypt's appreciation, both from the government and the people, for the brotherly relations with the State of Iraq. H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted the directives of the political leadership to enhance bilateral relations across various fields to advance joint development efforts.

The meeting included discussions on the third session of the Egyptian-Iraqi Joint Higher Committee, which both countries succeeded in activating after decades of suspension. The first and second sessions took place in 2020 and 2023, respectively, during which significant developments occurred regarding signed protocols, particularly in enhancing the contribution of Egyptian companies to the reconstruction efforts in Iraq. 

The discussions also touched on the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, boosting trade exchange, tourism cooperation, and other sectors.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized the importance of continuing to utilize the various opportunities for cooperation between the two brotherly nations.

H.E. Minister Al-Mashat affirmed the need to facilitate trade routes, ensure the smooth flow of goods, and enhance cooperation in various fields of mutual interest, all of which would increase the volume of bilateral cooperation to reflect the economic size of both countries and capitalize on available export opportunities.

The discussion also included efforts to increase investments. In this regard, H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat pointed out the anticipated role of Egyptian companies, both public and private, in participating in the reconstruction projects in Iraq and in executing all infrastructure projects, leveraging Egypt's accumulated experience in this field to support Iraq’s reconstruction plans.

It is worth mentioning that the Egyptian-Iraqi Joint Higher Committee is chaired by the Prime Ministers of both countries, and the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation coordinates the committee's work, including expert-level and ministerial meetings. H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat chairs the Egyptian side of the ministerial meetings.