Egypt, Jordan, Iraq Coordinate Efforts to Confront Regional Crises


Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, and Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, during a press conference (Reuters)
Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, and Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, during a press conference (Reuters)
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Egypt, Jordan, Iraq Coordinate Efforts to Confront Regional Crises


Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, and Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, during a press conference (Reuters)
Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, and Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, during a press conference (Reuters)

Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq have agreed to coordinate efforts and continue consultations to resolve regional crises and serve Arab causes and interests.

The three countries' foreign ministers held a meeting Wednesday, in Amman, as part of the Jordanian-Iraqi-Egyptian trilateral cooperation mechanism to generate closer partnerships.

The mechanism is based on the aspirations of the three nations to increase coordination within the political, economic, commercial, industrial, and security fields, among others.

Egypt's Foreign Minister, Sameh Shoukry, reaffirmed in a joint press conference that solidarity between the three countries achieves regional security and stability, stressing the importance of intensifying collective Arab action.

Shoukry added that the trilateral mechanism aims primarily to boost the ties between the three countries based on integration, economic opportunities, and exchanging visions related to regional issues.

He affirmed the continuation of trilateral talks, noting that the next meeting would be held in Iraq ahead of the summit to be hosted by Egypt next year.

Shoukry noted that the three countries face many challenges given the existing geopolitical climate, economic pressures arising from the Ukrainian crisis, and food security and energy security issues. All issues necessitate further cooperation to address them.

The top official noted that solidarity, cooperation, and joint action would increase the possibility of overcoming these obstacles.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said the mechanism aims to increase cooperation in trade, industry, economy, land transport, electrical interconnection, and energy.

Hussein stated that the meeting discussed various issues, namely the economy, extremism, and terrorism, and the preparations for the Arab-Chinese summit in Riyadh.

He stressed that regional countries face food and energy security challenges, pointing out that Iraq achieved a historic victory over ISIS and began rebuilding.

The foreign minister revealed that the Iraqi government is in talks with other parties to end the interferences, which must be resolved through dialogue.

Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi reaffirmed Amman’s and Cairo's full solidarity with Iraq and support for its security, stability, and sovereignty.

Safadi affirmed that Egyptian water security is part of the security of Arab states more broadly, noting that Jordan is consistent in its support of Egypt.

The ministers discussed several Arab issues, including the Palestinian cause, stressing the importance of ongoing efforts, coordination, and consultation to resolve regional crises and serve Arab interests to achieve regional security and stability.

They agreed to hold further meetings in preparation for the Egypt-hosted fourth trilateral cooperation mechanism summit next year.

The mechanism for coordination and trilateral cooperation between Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq was launched in Cairo in 2019, and the foreign ministers of the three countries held a series of meetings within the framework of the mechanism, the latest of which was on Nov 2.



Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
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Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)

Pakistan’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain sparked controversy when he revealed that 50,000 Pakistanis have gone missing in Iraq over the years.

He urged the Baghdad government to immediately launch a probe into how the Pakistanis entered Iraq to visit religious sites during the month of Muharram, he was quoted as saying by Pakistan’s Ummat newspaper.

Islamabad is investigating how people have traveled outside Pakistan through illegal means, he remarked.

The permanent committee for religious affairs and interfaith harmony has since proposed new policies for trips to holy sites in foreign countries, including Iraq.

In Iraq, the minister’s comments drew mockery and condemnation on social media and sparked renewed debate over illegal workers in the country.

Politician Mishaan al-Juburi urged the government to make a statement over Hussain’s comments, warning that they may impact security and the labor force.

Hussain’s comments coincided with Iraqi police announcing the arrest of six Pakistanis in Baghdad on charges of theft.

Previously, military intelligence also announced the arrest of a nine-member Pakistani kidnapping and extortion gang in Baghdad. The gang had kidnapped foreigners for ransom.

Meanwhile, Labor Minister Ahmed al-Asadi expressed his concern and condemnation over the increasing number of illegal workers in Iraq.

He said his ministry will investigate the disappearance of the Pakistanis.

He confirmed that several tourists, including Pakistanis, have flocked to Iraq in recent days, and many have taken up employment without the necessary legal permits.

He warned that this phenomenon is negatively impacting the national economy.

The ministry will not be lenient in taking the necessary legal measures against the violators, he vowed.

Iraq welcomes all tourists, whether they are here on a religious visit or otherwise, but they must respect local laws and regulations, declared Asadi.

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala.