Interior Minister Mazen Faraya said Jordanian-Iraqi relations “went beyond the existing inter-regional relations to achieve more advanced and open” horizons at the official and popular levels. Faraya made the remarks during his meeting with his Iraqi counterpart, Abdulamir Kamel Shammari in Baghdad, in presence of the Jordanian ambassador to Iraq, Muntasir Oqla, and the two countries’ senior officials. During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the areas of combating terrorism, extremism, enhancing border security, countering smuggling and human trafficking, exchanging information, developing trade exchange through Karama Border Crossing, as well as investment, medical treatment, and measures to steamline residence and visa procedures. Faraya said Royal directives to the government constantly focus on expanding joint cooperation areas in various fields, especially in security and economic domains, to achieve common interests, adding that his visit reflects the two countries’ “deep-rooted” relations. Faraya noted the government is continuing to take all measures to overcome any obstacles that could impede development of bilateral relations. Faraya also expressed the ministry’s readiness to overcome any obstacles or impediments that could face Iraqis during their entry into the Kingdom and their residence in Jordan, in accordance with the regulations and instructions in force. For his part, the Iraqi minister said Jordan and Iraq share “historic, solid and brotherly” relations, which require continuous efforts to develop them through joint coordination and consultation in exchanging training expertise, forensic evidence and security technology integration. Shammari thanked Jordan for its facilitations provided to ensure smooth flow in trade and investment fields, promote joint movement, and address some difficulties related to the Iraqi community residing in Amman. In this regard, he referred to facilitations provided to Iraqi community in Jordan, especially investors, residents and students, aimed to grant residence permits, visas, ensure smooth movement freedom, as well as similar measures in education and medical tourism areas. At the end of the meeting, the two sides agreed to continue coordination and consultation and to hold bilateral meetings to address any future issues.

Source: Jordan News Agency