Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq in Pretoria Meets the South African Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

On Tuesday, June 28, 2022, the Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq in Pretoria, Arshad Omar Ismail, met Ms Candith Mashego Dlamini, the South African Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, to discuss possible ways to develop and enhance the level of bilateral relations between the Republic of Iraq and the Republic of South Africa.

During the meeting, they discussed a number of topics and the files of common interest. The two sides touched upon the joint agreements and memoranda of understanding, in which the two sides had made good progress. They confirmed the need to expedite the resolution of this matter by intensifying the joint efforts.

The two sides discussed the importance of enhancing cooperation in the economic field by implementing the economic and technical cooperation agreement which was signed between the two countries in 2012, as well as urging the South African side to reopen the South African embassy in Baghdad, especially that the security situation in Iraq is now prepared for this step to be taken. The two sides affirmed the need to operate direct flights between the two countries, which will facilitate the exchange of visits by tourists and businessmen.

On her part, Ms Dlamini was very pleased with this meeting and promised to repeat the bilateral meetings in the future in order to enhance the relations between the two friendly countries.