Iraq inches closer to Egyptian, Jordanian axis
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Jordanian King Abdullah II and Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi met in Cairo to discuss ways to enhance economic and strategic relations, as well as a unified Arab position toward the regional developments, including the US recognition of Israel’s sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights.
CAIRO — Cairo hosted a tripartite summit March 24, bringing together Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Jordanian King Abdullah II and Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi.
The summit’s final communique underlined the importance of enhancing coordination between the three countries, and taking advantage of the potential offered by their geographical positions and common strategic and economic interests in order to combat terrorism and confront all those who support terrorist groups by funding, arming or providing safe havens and platforms, particularly in light of the victory Iraq has achieved against the Islamic State (IS).
The three leaders discussed ways to promote economic integration between their countries, including developing joint industrial zones as well as cooperating in energy, infrastructure, reconstruction and other sectors of development cooperation.
Analysts and politicians told Al-Monitor that this summit is a further restoration of harmony between Arab positions, which may have some differences, and it seems tactical to reach a strategic stage to build a cohesive Arab regional system.
