Boosting cooperation between Iraq, Egypt

Iraqi Minister of Industry and Minerals Adnan Abd al-Majid Jasim al-Ani and the head of Egyptian interests in Baghdad, Mahmoud Sherif Rihan, have discussed means of boosting relations between the two states.

In this context, Egyptian Minister of Industry and Mineral Wealth Soliman Reda is to arrive in Baghdad on August 19, heading a large delegation of representatives and businessmen from 40 Egyptian companies.

Reda said recently that Egypt is concerned with fulfilling Iraqi needs and opening large opportunities for the industrial sector to increase its exports to Iraq according to the sixth stage of the oil-for-food program.

Egypt's exports to Iraq amounted to nearly one billion pounds ($300 million) last year, and the two sides endorsed three trade contracts within the framework of the sixth stage valued at L.E. 149 million, including importing milk for adults, rice and vegetarian ghee.