Tarawneh, Iraqi delegation call for overcoming obstacles to joint projects

AMMAN —  Lower House Speaker Atef Tarawneh on Wednesday received the head of the Iraqi Lower House's Services and Construction Committee Kathem Hamami and an accompanying delegation to discuss cooperation between the two countries. 

The meeting was attended by head of the Lower House’s Public Services and Transport Committee MP Khalid Abu Hassan, head of the Jordanian-Iraqi Parliamentary Brotherhood Committee MP Ahmad Lozi and Iraqi Ambassador to Jordan Safia Al Suhail, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Tarawneh said that the relations between Amman and Baghdad are "historical" and built on respect and trust, adding that these relations should be built upon by implementing past agreements to boost economic cooperation.

Tarawneh stressed the importance of overcoming obstacles that hinder the achievement of these agreements, expressing the Lower House's readiness to tackle them.

The speaker praised the Iraqi Lower House's efforts to deepen both countries’ ties, adding that mutual visits between the leadership of both countries reflect the level of these ties.

Hamami expressed his appreciation for the Jordanian Lower House, calling for solutions to implement postponed and idle projects such as the Basra-Aqaba pipeline project.

Hammami also called for increasing trade through different channels such as through the air and increasing movement through the Turaibil border crossing, adding that both countries share common economic interests. 

Abu Hassan highlighted several recommendations that were put forth during the meeting, such as urging the two governments to find an effective strategy to bolster cooperation, cancelling procedures that delay passengers at the Turaibil border crossing and providing a suitable legislative environment to implement agreements between both countries. 

For her part, Suhail said that "extraordinary" parliamentary relations between the two countries have contributed to implementing signed agreements and projects.

The ambassador also reviewed some of the challenges that hinder trade and economic cooperation between Amman and Baghdad.