Sheikh Mohamed and Iraqi PM reviewed avenues of joint cooperation across economic, trade, investment and developmental sectors….reports Asian Lite News
President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa’ Al Sudani discussed ways of enhancing bilateral relations and prospects for joint cooperation and action.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed welcomed the Iraqi prime minister at Qasr Al Watan and reviewed with him avenues of joint cooperation across economic, trade, investment and developmental sectors.
The two sides also took stock of the latest regional and global issues of mutual interest and exchanges views on them, affirming their identical visions towards many these issues, especially efforts aimed at finding peaceful settlements to regional disputes and crises and pushing diplomatic efforts to fulfil aspirations of the peoples in the region for stability and prosperity.
At the beginning of the meeting, President Sheikh Mohamed extended his greetings to Al Sudani on the occasion of Iraq’s hosting of the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup (Khaleeji Zain 25) in Basra, highlighting his happiness at the compassion and friendly sentiments between the Iraqi people and the rest of the region, and noting that he is happier about Iraq’s security and stability.
The bilateral ties between the UAE and Iraq are deep-rooted, he added, noting that Iraq is a special country for the Emirati people, and the UAE supports whatever must be done to realise the interests of the Iraqi people and achieve Iraq’s unity, sovereignty and prosperity. He then wished Al Sudani success in leading Iraq to overall development.
Al Sudani thanked President Sheikh Mohamed for the warm welcome and hospitality he received, lauding the UAE’s historic stance to support Iraq.
“We are happy to be among our peoples, and we shall strengthen the historic ties between our countries,” he said, highlighting Iraq’s keenness to continue strengthening its cooperation with the UAE.
“Today, Iraq welcomes its partners, most notably the UAE,” he added, noting the mutual history and destiny of the two countries, as well as the many opportunities that could benefit them and their peoples.
Al Sudani then pointed out that his country has experienced many hardships, but it has managed to overcome them, stressing that Iraq is part of the current solution in the region and will regain its leading role, due to the support of the UAE and other fraternal countries.
Meeting with VP
Later, the Iraqi PM has also met with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, at the Za’abeel Palace in Dubai.
Welcoming the Iraqi Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed expressed the hope that the visit would mark the start of a new phase of strengthened bilateral relations between the UAE and Iraq that will serve the interests of the people of the two countries.
The meeting explored new pathways for enhancing cooperation, against the backdrop of the changing global landscape, in various fields, especially trade and investment.
The meeting also exchanged perspectives on a number of regional and global issues of common interest and efforts to enhance economic growth, stability and peace in the region.
Visited Sheikh Zayed Mosque
The Iraqi Prime Minister and his accompanying delegation also visited Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque as part of his official visit to the UAE.
Al Sudani commenced the tour by visiting the mausoleum of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, recalling his fine qualities and wise approach that established the culture of tolerance, coexistence, and peace among various nations worldwide.
Dr. Yousif Al Obaidli, Director-General of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, accompanied the Iraqi Prime Minister on a tour of the mosque’s halls and external corridors, during which they were briefed about Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque’s noble message that promotes the practice of tolerance, and openness to the world’s nations.
They also learned about the mosque’s history, its collection, and aesthetic features of Islamic art and architecture that manifest in every corner of this grand edifice.
At the end of the visit, he was presented with two of the Centre’s distinctive publications. The first is titled “Spaces of Light,” showcasing the winning photographs in the “Spaces of Light” photography award, annually organised by the Centre to celebrate the mosque’s scenic aesthetics and visual culture. The other is a copy of a book titled “Houses of God” about places of worship in Islamic history, including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
