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Iraq, Egypt Sign 15 Agreements and MoUs

A handout picture released by the Iraqi Presidency shows President Barham Salih (R) receiving Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly for talks in the capital Baghdad, on October 31, 2020. (Photo by - / IRAQI PRESIDENCY / AFP)
A handout picture released by the Iraqi Presidency shows President Barham Salih (R) receiving Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly for talks in the capital Baghdad, on October 31, 2020. (Photo by - / IRAQI PRESIDENCY / AFP)
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Iraq, Egypt Sign 15 Agreements and MoUs

A handout picture released by the Iraqi Presidency shows President Barham Salih (R) receiving Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly for talks in the capital Baghdad, on October 31, 2020. (Photo by - / IRAQI PRESIDENCY / AFP)
A handout picture released by the Iraqi Presidency shows President Barham Salih (R) receiving Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly for talks in the capital Baghdad, on October 31, 2020. (Photo by - / IRAQI PRESIDENCY / AFP)

Baghdad and Cairo on Saturday boosted bilateral cooperation by inking 15 agreements and memoranda of understanding during a meeting of the Iraqi-Egyptian High Joint Committee headed by Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi and his Egyptian counterpart, Mostafa Madbouly.

Accompanied by a high-level ministerial delegation, Madbouly arrived in the Iraqi capital to co-chair the meetings of the committee, meet Iraqi leaders and sign the MoUs.

The MoUs encompass fields of transport, water resources, health, environment, justice, investment, housing, construction, industry, trade and finance.

Noting that the meeting of the committee comes at a critical time, Madbouly emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation between Cairo and Baghdad to face common challenges and dangers through establishing a strategic partnership.

Madbouly said that the region was witnessing successive developments.

The Egyptian PM said that his country’s policy towards Baghdad is founded on the principals of preserving Iraqi sovereignty and rejecting all forms of foreign interference in its affairs.

He also voiced rejection to illegal attacks taking place within Iraq, stressing that Egypt fully understands the political, historic and geographic particularities of the country.

Madbouly added that Iraq has a chance to become an arena for interests to meet.

Addressing the committee meeting, Madbouly praised "what was initially agreed upon concerning the importance of establishing an oil-for-reconstruction mechanism," which he added would contribute to double cooperation between both countries.

Madbouly told the Iraqi side that the Egyptian construction companies are ready to help reconstruct and develop Iraq's infrastructure.

He also said that the high committee meetings aim at maximizing the mutual benefit from the experiences and capabilities of the two countries in various fields.

Madbouly called for utilizing what he described as "great production and export potentials" that both countries enjoy.

Kadhimi stressed that his country looks forward to working with Egypt and strengthening cooperation between the two countries, while noting that the Iraqi government attaches utmost importance to the joint committee.

Kadhimi also thanked the Egyptian people and President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi for sending 15 tons of medical aid to Iraq.

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Arab World

German Foreign Ministry Backs Kurdish Dialogue with Damascus

German Ambassador Tobias Tunkel with the leadership of the Syrian Democratic Forces in Al-Hasakah, northeastern Syria. (SDF)
German Ambassador Tobias Tunkel with the leadership of the Syrian Democratic Forces in Al-Hasakah, northeastern Syria. (SDF)
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German Foreign Ministry Backs Kurdish Dialogue with Damascus

German Ambassador Tobias Tunkel with the leadership of the Syrian Democratic Forces in Al-Hasakah, northeastern Syria. (SDF)
German Ambassador Tobias Tunkel with the leadership of the Syrian Democratic Forces in Al-Hasakah, northeastern Syria. (SDF)

Director of the Middle East and North Africa Department at the German Foreign Ministry Tobias Tunkel said that protecting the rights and interests of Syrian Kurds can be best achieved through an internal dialogue with Damascus.

His statement followed a recent meeting between Tunkel and Mazloum Abdi, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), along with officials from the Kurdish Autonomous Administration in Al-Hasakah, northeastern Syria.

In a tweet on the X platform on Monday, Tunkel shared a photo of his meeting with Abdi. He indicated that they discussed pressing issues that require resolution through direct communication between the SDF leadership and Damascus’ military operations command.

The meeting is part of broader international efforts to stabilize the region, prevent a devastating war involving regional powers, and promote internal Syrian dialogue. The aim is to ensure the inclusion of all parties, social groups, and political forces to achieve security, stability, economic prosperity, and reconstruction.

Abdi stressed the need for all Syrians, regardless of their backgrounds, to have a role in governing their country.

He praised Germany’s support for the SDF, stating on his X account: “Germany’s support for the Syrian people in building their state on the principles of freedom, democracy, and equality, while ensuring the inclusion of all components in governance, is deeply welcomed and appreciated.”

He also commended Germany’s contribution to the international coalition’s operations against ISIS, stressing: “We highly value Germany’s role in supporting our forces in combating terrorism and extremism, which helps pave the way for a brighter future for all Syrians.”

This visit marks the second official engagement by a Western diplomat this week, following the visit of former US Ambassador Robert Ford and his meeting with SDF leaders.

Discussions are focused on achieving a political resolution and determining the future of the SDF, which is a coalition of Arab and Kurdish forces, primarily the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG). The YPG receives military and logistical support from a US-led international coalition and is considered a vital ally in the fight against ISIS by Washington, though Türkiye regards it as a national security threat.

SDF head of Public Relations Sihanouk Dibo described the recent visits by US, German, and French delegations as encouraging. Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, he emphasized that the Autonomous Administration values any initiative that supports resolving the Kurdish issue in Syria, which he views as fundamental to addressing regional crises and ensuring stability.

“Germany’s supportive role complements Washington’s exceptional efforts, including the success of General Mazloum Abdi’s initiative and his meeting with (former President of the Kurdistan Region) President Masoud Barzani. This is a significant and positive step,” he added.

Dibo also highlighted the importance of dialogue between Damascus and the SDF leadership to restore Syrian sovereignty and resolve disputes. He called for “the formation of specialized and technical committees to address all issues and differences.”

In a related development, the Autonomous Administration called on the Syrian people, the international community, and humanitarian organizations to take action to curb Turkish aggression and stop attacks by its affiliated factions on Tishrin Dam.

In a statement published on its official platforms, it urged the deployment of international forces to protect the dam, warning of catastrophic consequences should it collapse, including the flooding of large populated areas and the destruction of numerous villages along the riverbanks.