Faraya meets with Iraqi president

AMMAN — Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid on Sunday at the Baghdad Palace received Interior Minister Mazen Faraya and conveyed his greetings to His Majesty King Abdullah.

Faraya also conveyed His Majesty's greetings to the Iraqi president, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

In a separate meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani, Faraya stressed Jordan’s unaltered stances, under the leadership of King Abdullah, which support all efforts aimed at enhancing the security and stability of Iraq, which is a main pillar for the security and stability of the entire region.

The minister also stressed the Kingdom's full support for all steps taken by the Iraqi government to restore the country's role and status within the Arab region as well as to enhance Iraq's stability, prosperity and sovereignty, Petra added.

Faraya noted that the aim of the visit and meeting with the Iraqi president, prime minister and interior minister is to build upon the outcomes of the bilateral meetings and regional meetings, with the objective of ensuring cooperation at both the bilateral and regional levels with Iraq in various fields.

He noted that such fields include facilitating the movement of passengers, vehicles and goods, and security cooperation encompassing the fight against terrorism, anti-narcotics efforts, and combating human trafficking.

Earlier on Sunday, Faraya met with his Iraqi counterpart, Lieutenant General Abdulamir Kamel Al Shammari.

The two sides discussed avenues to strengthen bilateral cooperation in various areas, including antiterrorism, combating extremism, border security, curbing smuggling and human trafficking, information exchange, enhancing trade through the Al Karama border crossing, investment, healthcare, as well as facilitating residency and visa procedures, Petra reported.

Jordanian-Iraqi relations are experiencing progress and openness at both the official and popular levels, Faraya said.

Royal directives are focused on expanding cooperation with Iraq in multiple domains, particularly the security and economic sectors, to fulfil shared interests, Faraya said.

Faraya expressed the readiness of the Ministry of Interior to address any challenges encountered by Iraqi citizens during their entry and stay in the Kingdom, in accordance with the applicable regulations and instructions.

The Iraqi minister acknowledged the longstanding and historical ties between Jordan and Iraq, stressing the need for continuous progress and development through joint coordination and consultation in areas such as sharing training expertise, information, criminal evidence, and employing security technology. He emphasised that Iraq is recovering and reintegrating into the Arab and regional environment.

The Iraqi minister expressed his appreciation to Jordan for the facilitations provided, ensuring smooth trade and investment flows, streamlining movement between the two countries, and addressing issues faced by the Iraqi community residing in Amman. 

Special considerations were given to investors, residents and students regarding residency permits, visas, freedom of movement, education, medical tourism, among others.

Both parties agreed to maintain coordination and consultation, and to hold bilateral meetings as needed to address any emerging developments or issues.