Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein on Friday reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to strengthening Arab-African relations and expanding areas of cooperation between the two sides, calling for continued efforts to implement the outcomes of joint summits.
Hussein made the remarks during the 10th Ministerial Meeting of the Arab-African Partnership Coordination Committee, held in New York alongside the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
He said Iraq, as chair of the Arab Summit, is keen to follow up on the outcomes of the fourth Arab-African Summit held in Malabo in 2016, stressing the importance of strengthening political consultations and coordination on issues of mutual interest.
The Iraqi minister also emphasized support for political solutions and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, while reiterating Baghdad’s support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and its commitment to international law and relevant international resolutions.
On the economic level, Hussein called for broader Arab-African cooperation in trade, agricultural development and food security, while encouraging greater participation by the private sector and financial institutions in boosting investment and trade. He also stressed the need to establish sustainable financing mechanisms for partnership programs.
He further highlighted the importance of cooperation on migration issues, the exchange of expertise and information, and support for joint cultural initiatives. Hussein reaffirmed Iraq’s continued efforts with Arab and African countries, the Arab League and the African Union to deepen cooperation and follow up on the implementation of joint agreements.
