Baghdad- On Thursday, Iraq and Egypt signed 12 memoranda of understanding, after the extensive discussion session of the Egyptian -Iraqi Supreme Higher Committee.
During a press conference with Egyptian Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamed Shi’a Al -Sudani confirmed that contracts with Egyptian companies reached more than 600 billion Iraqi dinars (460 million dollars).
Madbouly indicated that 11 memoranda of understanding had previously been signed in June 2023, and it was strengthened by its expansion and diversification to about 12 notes in various fields.
At the conclusion of the meeting of the third Iraqi Supreme Committee in its third session in Baghdad, a number of memoranda of understanding were signed, which included various fields:
- A memorandum of understanding for the land transport of people and goods between the ministries of transport in the two countries.
- A memorandum of understanding in the field of strengthening competition and combating monopolistic practices between the Competition Affairs Council and the prevention of monopoly in Iraq, and the competition protection agency and the prevention of monopolistic practices in Egypt.
- Signing a cooperation protocol in the field of local development between the Baghdad Municipality and Cairo Governorate.
- In the field of antiquities and museums, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the General Authority for Antiquities and Heritage at the Iraqi Ministry of Culture and the Supreme Council of Egyptian Antiquities.
- Signing a memorandum of understanding in the field of specificity and control.
- A memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the field of regulating control and supervision of financial markets.
- The executive program between the ministries of culture in the two countries for the years from 2025-2027.
The agreements also included the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Iraqi Books and Documentation House and the Egyptian Books House, and another for cooperation in the field of communications and information technology, and a draft memorandum of understanding in the field of building, operating and maintaining silos, in addition to a memorandum of understanding and cooperation between the Iraqi and Egyptian Chambers of Commerce.
Of the powers of the executive authority
In turn, Mazhar Mohamed Saleh, Advisor to the Prime Minister, confirmed that the memoranda of the understanding concluded by Iraq with Egypt does not need a parliamentary approval, as it is part of the powers of the exclusive executive authority.
Saleh indicated in an interview with Al -Jazeera Net that these notes are not subject to the Act of Agreements and Treaties No. 35 of 2015, which requires the vote of the House of Representatives, but rather a prelude to building strong relations between the two brotherly countries that are a key axis in the Middle East and the Arab world.
He explained that a large number of memoranda of understanding was signed, which establishes the foundations for economic, cultural and social cooperation and building bridges of long -term confidence, stressing that Iraq needs Egypt’s experience and stability, and that the two countries represent a key pillar in the Arab region.
Saleh stressed the importance of the Prime Minister of Egypt’s visit to Iraq and the signing of the numerous memoranda of understanding, which is the first building block for larger agreements in the future, and will contribute to achieving sustainable development in Iraq, stressing that Egypt will benefit from Iraq’s historical capabilities and economic resources.
He expressed his belief that these notes represent an important qualitative shift in relations between the two countries, and that the House of Representatives will inform these notes that fall within the powers of the executive authority, noting that any transformation of these notes into agreements requires the approval of Parliament, but the aspiration to positive relations with Egypt enjoys Support all members of the House of Representatives.
Saleh concluded his speech by emphasizing the importance of Iraqi -Egyptian relations, the strength and stability of Iraq and its great weight in the region, which produces a great compliance between the two countries in various fields.
Her success factors
For his part, economist Amer Al -Jawahiri stressed that the success of the memoranda of understanding signed between Iraq and Egypt is largely dependent on the seriousness of the two parties in their application and follow -up on the ground, stressing the need to convert these notes into concrete work by concluding deals and implementing joint projects.
In his interview with Al -Jazeera Net, Al -Jawahiri explained that the signed notes aim to transfer experiences and sign work contracts that encourage Egyptian companies to contribute to Iraqi projects.
He pointed out that its success is directly linked to what the Iraqi side wants from these agreements, especially with regard to service projects and infrastructure that will be funded by Iraq.
Al -Jawahiri pointed out the importance of following up the implementation of the cooperation agreement between Baghdad and Cairo, especially in light of the deterioration of services in the Iraqi capital, noting that there is a clear mechanism to link Iraqi companies to their Egyptian counterparts to determine the needs and provide appropriate solutions.
He stressed the importance of attracting direct and indirect Egyptian investments to Iraq, but with a roof of reasonable ambitions due to the economic challenges facing Egypt, noting that relying on Iraqi financing for joint projects may lead to an increase in demand for raw materials and pressure on the currency to import these materials.
Economic character
For his part, the professor of international relations Saadoun Al -Saadi believes that the visit of the Egyptian Prime Minister and his accompanying delegation to Iraq was of an essential economic nature, by signing many notes of understanding and protocols that aim to enhance economic cooperation between the two countries.
However, the visit was not without the political side, as many regional and international issues were addressed of common concern.
Al -Saadi told Al -Jazeera Net that the visit came at a time when the region and the world are witnessing a major crisis, and coincided with the statements of US President Donald Trump regarding the displacement of the Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, which prompted the Iraqi and Egyptian parties to discuss this issue and agree to refuse the American offering.
Several other issues were discussed, including preparations for the next Baghdad Summit in June.
