Iraqi Prime Minister Discusses Basra-Aqaba Oil Pipeline Project Implementation with Jordanian Delegation

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi recently discussed in Baghdad on Thursday with a high-level Jordanian ministerial delegation the means to advance the strategic Basra-Aqaba oil pipeline project. The Prime Minister welcomed the Jordanian delegation, led by the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Supply, Yaaroub Fallah Al-Qudah. The delegation included the Ministers of Energy and Mineral Resources, Transport, and Investment. Also present were Iraq's Minister of Industry and Minerals, the head of the Arab Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Jordanian Ambassador to Iraq, highlighting the bilateral importance. The talks encompassed various issues of mutual interest, primarily accelerating the Basra-Aqaba oil pipeline project. Discussions also covered facilitating visa procedures for businessmen from both countries and enhancing cooperation in vital sectors like industry, energy, transport, and investment, alongside other areas of common benefit. For his part, Al-Zaidi emphasized the deep and distinguished historical relations binding the two countries, stressing Jordan's role as a crucial strategic depth for Iraq. He noted the Iraqi government's aspirations to elevate bilateral relations in the upcoming phase through increased trade volume, expanded investment opportunities, and economic cooperation across various sectors. In response, members of the Jordanian delegation conveyed greetings and congratulations from His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein and Jordanian Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan to the Iraqi Prime Minister on the new government's formation, extending an official invitation for him to visit the Kingdom. Minister Al-Qudah reiterated Jordan's full support for Iraq, commending its progress in combating corruption, implementing economic reforms, and improving the investment environment, which strengthens the partnership between the two sisterly nations.