PM calls for expediting strategic projects between Jordan and Iraq

AMMAN — Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Bisher Al Khasawneh on Saturday highlighted the importance of accelerating steps to implement the strategic projects between Jordan and Iraq so that citizens and relevant sectors in both nations can feel their impact.

Receiving Iraqi Minister of Industry and Minerals Manhal Aziz, Khasawneh said that the two countries pay much attention to implement the economic estate in the border region and install the Iraqi oil pipeline, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The premier called for the immediate start of executing the economic estate project, activating the transport movement and flow of goods, and establishing joint investments.

He also highlighted the significance of installing the oil pipeline from Basra to Aqaba and then to Egypt, which, after implementation, will provide an export gateway for Iraq and provide Jordan with part of its oil needs, in addition to establishing a logistics zone and petrochemical industries among the three countries.

In this regard, Khasawneh reiterated the common interest of Jordan, Iraq and Egypt, in the strategic mechanism envisioned to expand economic and commercial cooperation and realise integration in the service for the three peoples, noting that this is “a gateway” for further pan-Arab cooperation.

To maintain the momentum necessary for further development in the Jordanian-Iraqi ties, the premier directed Industry, Trade and Supply Minister Maha Al Ali, who attended the meeting, to head a private sector delegation for a visit to Baghdad in the coming days to look for opportunities for further cooperation and address any obstacles hindering the trade movement.

For his part, Aziz voiced Iraq’s interest in establishing joint and strategic projects between the two countries in a way that contributes to enhance commercial and investment cooperation.