Jordan, Iraq discuss reconstruction prospects, furthering mutual interests in healthcare sector

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah’s recent visit to Iraq, which marked the first visit of an Arab leader in the era of the new government, has opened wide scopes of cooperation between Jordan and Iraq, Prime Minister Omar Razzaz said on Saturday.

Razzaz, during a meeting organised by Capital Bank on the future of cooperation with Iraq, described his meeting with Iraqi counterpart Adel Abdel Mahdi in February on the borders as “historic”. They resulted in complete agreement in the fields and means of cooperation between Amman and Baghdad, the premier noted.

Held on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum on the MENA region on Saturday, the meeting featured discussions on border, transportation, agriculture, health and reconstruction agreements.

The premier highlighted, during the meeting, that both countries have agreed on a timeline for implementation of the agreements and commitments in the respective fields, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Capital Bank Chairman Bassem Khalil Al Salem said that the past days have witnessed remarkable developments in Jordanian-Iraqi relations.

These developments resulted in several trade and economic agreements that followed His Majesty’s historic visit to Baghdad.

Salem added that these agreements will take economic ties to a new level, marking the dawn of an era of “balanced partnership” based on joint interests and mutual benefit.

He added that the governments’ duty is to foster the proper conditions for the private sector through presenting an appropriate legislative and structural environment, dispelling uncertainty and reinforcing the principles of transparency and clarity.

President of the Iraq Medical Association Abdul Amir Hussein said that Iraq is currently approaching a new era of reconstruction, which includes various sectors.

The endeavour will focus on reconstructing the medical sector, mainly in governorates that witnessed destruction by terrorist groups, he added.

Hussein also noted that this opens wide scopes for the construction sector to build hospitals and health centres.

He reiterated that Jordan, for its reputation in medical services, has become a destination for Iraqi patients.

On transport and visa measures, Hussein underlined that this requires cooperation on both sides.

He called on Jordan to consider establishing health investments in Iraq and contributing to building hospitals.

Private Hospitals Association President Fawzi Hammouri said that Iraqis are usually the largest segment of patients befitting from Jordanian medical services.

They top the figures of inbound medical tourist segments, he added.

Hammouri also called on the government to address access restrictions on some nationalities, in order to enhance medical tourism.

On Friday, the Iraqi business council in Amman and businesspeople residing in Jordan discussed with Iraqi MPs, who are participating in the Jordanian-Iraqi parliamentary forum, issues related to developing the Iraqi economy, according to Petra.

Majed Saidi, head of the council, said that the number of Iraqi businesspeople and investors residing in Jordan since 1991 stands at around 30,000.