Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aty met Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein on Monday on the sidelines of the extraordinary session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Jeddah to discuss developments in Gaza. The two ministers praised the growing momentum in Egypt-Iraq relations and the tangible achievements reached, stressing that strengthening cooperation remains a priority for both countries amid current regional challenges. Abdel-Aty highlighted the positive results of the third meeting of the Egyptian-Iraqi Higher Joint Committee held in Baghdad in January 2025, which saw the signing of 12 agreements and memoranda of understanding. He said the outcomes represented a qualitative step in advancing cooperation to broader horizons. Talks also covered ways to boost economic cooperation. Both sides welcomed the rise in trade exchange and expressed their aspiration to expand Iraqi markets for Egyptian exports. They reiterated the shared target of one billion dollars in annual trade and encouraged stronger private-sector partnerships. Abdel-Aty voiced Egypt's appreciation for efforts by the Iraqi government to consolidate political, security and economic stability. He reaffirmed Egypt's full support for Iraq's sovereignty and unity of national institutions, stressing Cairo's keenness for Iraq to play its active role in the Arab region in safeguarding stability. The ministers reviewed the latest regional developments, chiefly the situation in Gaza. They strongly rejected Israel's ongoing assault on the strip and its policy of starvation, describing them as blatant violations of international law and international humanitarian law. They also condemned settlement expansion in the West Bank and Israeli violations across the occupied Palestinian territories. Abdel-Aty outlined Egypt's efforts, in coordination with Qatar, to secure an immediate ceasefire, ensure full and unconditional humanitarian access, and facilitate the release of hostages and detainees. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: M. S. Salama
