PM, Iraq’s interior minister discuss versatile opportunities for cooperation

AMMAN — Prime Minister Bisher Al Khasawneh on Thursday met with Iraqi Interior Minister Abdulamir Kamel Al Shammari.

The meetings, which were also attended by Interior Minister Mazen Al Faraya, underscored Iraq’s significance to His Majesty King Abdullah and HRH Crown Prince Hussein, as well as the Jordanian people. 

Khasawneh highlighted the solid bilateral relations between the two nations, and reaffirmed the ongoing commitment to strengthen these ties in various fields, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

The premier also extended his greetings to the Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani, and stressed the importance of moving forward with joint projects with a focus on the electricity interconnection project, which is expected to be operational within a month.

In regard to the importance of strengthening tripartite cooperation between Jordan, Iraq and Egypt, Khasawneh emphasised the need to commence strategic projects within the tripartite framework, particularly the economic real estate initiative on the Iraq-Jordan border and the oil pipeline project between Basra and Aqaba. 

He also emphasised the vital role of ongoing cooperation and coordination between the two nations, as well as neighbouring countries, in combating illicit drug and firearms trafficking, since all nations, particularly Syria, face similar challenges. 

Khasawneh reiterated Jordan's unwavering commitment to safeguarding its borders, citizens and national security, stressing that any potential threats will be met with zero tolerance.

In response, Shammari conveyed the greetings of the Iraqi Prime Minister to Khasawneh, and underlined Baghdad’s commitment to intensifying cooperation in various areas, both bilaterally or through the tripartite cooperation mechanism.

He also expressed his satisfaction with the fruitful outcomes of his visit to Jordan, citing the signing of a memorandum of understanding on security cooperation and meetings with various entities over strengthening cooperation and knowledge sharing, particularly regarding the development of Iraqi institutions.

Khasawneh confirmed the government’s readiness to share its expertise, experience and full cooperation to support Iraq’s institutions.