Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry met on Tuesday with Iraqi Vice President Ayad Allawi to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional issues.
The meeting came a day after Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi met with Allawi and asserted Egypt’s supporting efforts to form a strong national Iraqi government.
Al-Sisi congratulated Allawi on his success in the parliamentary elections held last May, reiterating Egypt’s support for Iraq in combating terrorism and restoring stability and security to the country.
Meanwhile, Shoukry asserted Egypt’s keenness on intensifying the bilateral efforts to reconstruct the liberated cities. They also discussed enhancing economic and business cooperation between both countries.
Last May, populist anti-American cleric Moqtada Al-Sadr’s block won Iraq’s parliamentary elections, the first polls since the Islamic State was defeated in the country. Iran-backed Shiite militia chief Hadi Al-Amiri’s block came in second place, and the Victory Alliance headed by Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi trailed in third.
Meanwhile, Shoukry also headed on Wednesday to Nouakchott, Mauritania to participate in the 33rd ordinary session of the African Union Executive Council (31st summit) on 28-29 June, Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Ahmed Abou Zaid said.
Abou Zaid noted that the upcoming meetings are expected to focus on institutional and financial reforms of the African Union to enhance its efficiency amid significant political challenges in the region.
