Iraq, Egypt discuss electricity interconnection project through Jordan

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty. Photo: PMO Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty discussed on Saturday approaches to expedite the electricity interconnection project between Egypt, Iraq, and Jordan. According to a statement released by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, the meeting took place during Abdelatty’s visit for the 52nd session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers and ahead of al-Zaidi’s scheduled trip to Egypt on November 23. The meeting addressed measures to improve bilateral cooperation, as well as attempts to de-escalate tensions in the region and promote security and stability. The two sides discussed the activation of the three countries’ trilateral cooperation mechanism and strategies to advance collaborative projects, notably in electricity interconnection and oil, to promote economic integration and serve the three nations’ common interests. Abdelatty emphasized the necessity of boosting economic, commercial, and investment relations with Iraq, notably by increasing Egyptian firms’ participation in infrastructure, reconstruction, and development projects. The Egyptian foreign minister emphasized the possibilities for utilizing Egyptian experience in construction, transportation, energy, agriculture, and pharmaceutical industries. Abdelatty highlighted the importance of increasing bilateral commerce and facilitating Egyptian products’ access to the Iraqi market. Additionally, Abdelatty underlined Egypt’s unwavering support for Iraq’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, opposing foreign involvement in its internal affairs. The Egyptian foreign minister also praised the Iraqi government’s efforts to improve national security and reinforce state authority and institutions, including bringing arms under state control.