Amman, December 17 (Petra) -- A joint statement was issued following official talks between Lower House of Parliament Speaker Ahmad Safadi and his Iraqi counterpart Mahmoud Mashhadani.

Safadi welcomed Mashhadani's first official visit to Jordan since assuming the presidency of Iraq's parliament, describing it as a "significant step toward reinforcing bilateral ties."

The discussions culminated in a joint statement outlining key areas of mutual interest:

First: Enhancing coordination between Jordan and Iraq to address regional challenges. This includes supporting Syria's stability, unity, and the political representation of all its components. The statement also underlined the importance of safeguarding Syria’s security and its citizens, reiterating support for the outcomes of Jordan-hosted meetings in Aqaba regarding the Syrian crisis.

Second: Expanding Jordanian-Iraqi economic cooperation, removing any obstacles to trade and investment, and facilitating visits of parliamentary committees and business representatives from both sides. The statement emphasized establishing agreements on cultural, educational, and agricultural cooperation, while advancing mutual expertise sharing in energy and construction sectors.

Third: Stressing the importance of completing the Basra-Aqaba oil pipeline project as a strategic economic artery benefiting both nations. The joint statement also underscored support for bilateral and trilateral projects with Egypt.

Fourth: Voicing support for all efforts aimed at stopping the aggression on Gaza, rejecting attempts to displace Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and West Bank. It highlighted the need to increase humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza, condemned settler extremism in Palestinian territories, and rejected violations of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.

Fifth: Strengthening coordination between the Jordanian and Iraqi parliaments to further solidify the deep-rooted fraternal relations between the two countries and achieve shared goals, while working together on defending regional and national interests.

//Petra// AJ

17/12/2024 16:26:40