Iraq calls for stronger Arab-African partnership and implementation of joint summit outcomes

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein on Friday stressed the need to strengthen Arab-African partnership and develop mechanisms for joint cooperation, while emphasizing the importance of following up on the outcomes of previous summits.

Hussein made the remarks during the 10th Ministerial Meeting of the Arab-African Partnership Coordination Committee, held in New York on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. He said Iraq, as chair of the Arab Summit, attaches importance to implementing the outcomes of the fourth Arab-African Summit, held in Malabo in 2016.

The minister highlighted the need for greater political coordination between Arab and African countries on issues of mutual concern, supporting political solutions and respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. He also reaffirmed Iraq’s support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, as well as international law and relevant international legitimacy resolutions.

On the economic front, Hussein called for expanding cooperation in trade, agricultural development and food security, while encouraging greater involvement by the private sector and financial institutions to boost trade and investment. He also stressed the importance of establishing sustainable financing mechanisms for partnership programs.

Hussein further underlined the importance of cooperation on migration, exchanging expertise and information, and supporting joint cultural initiatives. He reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to working with Arab and African countries, the League of Arab States and the African Union to strengthen the partnership and follow up on the implementation of joint agreements.