Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations Discusses with German Ambassador Enhancing Economic Cooperation and Regional Developments

The Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Bilateral Relations Mr. Mohammed Hussein Bahr Aluloom, received Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Iraq Ms. Christiane Hohmann, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Baghdad.

The two sides discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation between Iraq and Germany, affirming the importance of consolidating the economic partnership and increasing the volume of trade exchange, in addition to intensifying mutual visits and activating existing bilateral agreements to achieve the common interests of the two friendly countries.

Undersecretary Bahr Aluloom welcomed the work of German companies in Iraq, praising the role of BAYER Chemical Industries, and stressing the great potential that Germany can contribute to supporting Iraq’s efforts to rehabilitate infrastructure in Iraq, especially within the framework of the “Development Road” project, as well the Undersecretary referred to the ongoing efforts to facilitate the work of German development agencies in Iraq, calling at the same time to cancel travel warnings to Iraq, which will contribute to strengthening bilateral relations.

On her part, Ambassador Hohmann expressed her appreciation for the level of the ongoing cooperation between the two countries, praising the developments in Iraq across various fields, which reflect the efforts of the Iraqi government to enhance stability and development. In addition, Ambassador Hohmann welcomed the measures taken by Iraqi diplomatic missions abroad, especially with regard to providing facilities to Iraqi communities by activating the system for issuing and printing passports and the unified national card, stressing her country’s commitment to continuing cooperation and coordination with Iraq in a manner that serves common interests.

In the context of regional developments, the Undersecretary reviewed the Iraqi government’s approach in dealing with current challenges, stressing the importance of adopting dialogue to spare the region the repercussions of regional tensions. He also discussed the developments in Syria, stressing the need to respect the will of the Syrian people in determining their political future, and warning of the escalation of the activity of Da’esh terrorist organization, which calls for intensifying regional and international cooperation to confront this common threat.

At the end of the meeting, the two sides stressed the importance of intensifying diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions, enhance humanitarian and relief support, coordinate joint efforts in combating terrorism, and work to support a political process in Syria that ensures respect for human rights and reflects societal diversity.