Egypt is ready to support Iraqi armed forces: Shoukry

CAIRO - 19 July 2017: Egypt promotes the building of Iraqi armed forces and leverage cooperation between the two countries, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry said during a press conference Wednesday with his counterpart Ibrahim Al-Jaafari.

The press conference took place during Shoukry’s official visit to Baghdad, that came few weeks after Iraqi armed forces defeated Islamic State terrorist group forces after eight months of urban warfare, bringing an end to three years of jihadist rule in the city of Mosul.

Shoukry explained that Egypt has offered to Iraq full support to enhance the building of Iraqi capabilities, whether armed forces or intelligence areas through training and exchanging information, and also its support for reconstructing Mousal.

He further congratulated the Iraqi government and people on liberating Mosul from the grip of the terrorist organization.

Regarding both countries bilateral, Shoukry said that they have focused on discussing ways to strengthen these relations in all its aspects, as well as discussing the preparations for the formation of the joint high committee between the two countries, which will mark a new beginning of the close and historical relations.

Moreover, as for the part of Qatari crisis and terrorism, Shoukry asserted on the necessity of modifying Qatari policies, adding that its necessary to strengthening joint cooperation between the two countries to eliminate the phenomenon of terrorism.

Dealing with terrorism requires a comprehensive manner that is not only through security confrontation, but with intellectual confrontation, Shoukry asserted.

Shourky further met with Iraqi President Fuad Masum, Vice President Ayad Allawy, Prime Minister Haidar Al-Abadi, Parliament Speaker Salim Al-Jabouri and other senior officials.