Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh talking with his Iraqi counterpart Adel Abdul Mahdi during the former‘s official visit to Baghdad. (WAFA Images)

BAGHDAD, Monday, July 15, 2019 (WAFA) - Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh discussed with his Iraqi counterpart Adel Abdul Mahdi today strengthening mutual relations and cooperation between their countries on all levels.

Shtayyeh arrived in the Iraqi capital Baghdad earlier today heading a delegation of cabinet ministers as well as businessmen and businesswomen.

Shtayyeh and Abdul Mahdi held a bilateral meeting during which they discussed prospects for cooperation between their two countries before heading the joint talks session in the presence of ministers from both countries.

The Palestinian Prime Minister reviewed opportunities of cooperation between the two countries in the economic, trade and agricultural fields, explaining the government‘s strategy of achieving gradual disengagement from the colonial relationship imposed by the existence on the ground of the Israeli occupation and to turn more toward the Arab countries to strengthen economic opportunities.

Shtayyeh said in a press conference held after the meeting that "Iraq‘s positions are in harmony with Palestinian rights and positions. Iraq has always been a supporter and defender of Palestine. We thank you for rejecting the Manama workshop which we consider to be one of the conspiracies against our cause in the so-called deal of the century."

He added: "Iraq is dear to every Palestinian and I congratulate you on the revival of Iraq and the preservation of its political diversity and social fabric. A healthy Iraq means a healthy Palestine."

Shtayyeh also extended an official invitation to Abdul Mahdi to visit Palestine, saying: "We look forward to see it happen because it will be a historic and important visit that will bring joy to the hearts of the Palestinians."

For his part, Abdul Mahdi said: "Iraq‘s position on Palestine is clear and unambiguous, and it is a national duty. Palestine lives in our hearts and we have been raised to love and defend it. Our present and our future are one. We are confident of the victory and appreciate the sacrifices of the Palestinians in facing the last forms of colonization and settlement."

"We are meeting today to discuss cooperation in the economic, financial and investment fields, and we look forward to see this visit and discussions between the ministers on both sides lead to practical solutions that will take place on the ground and move from discussing political issues to realizing the demands and needs of our two peoples," he added.

Shtayyeh presented Abdul Mahdi a document proving the ownership of the Iraqi government to the cemetery of Iraqi martyrs in Nablus, expressing pride in these positions and sacrifices.

The Prime Minister is accompanied by Foreign Minister Riyad Malki, Finance Minister Shukri Bishara, Economy Minister Khalid al-Ossaily, Minister of Agriculture Riyad al-Attari, Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers Amjad Ghanem, Chief of General Intelligence Maj. Gen. Majid Faraj, Palestine‘s ambassador to Iraq Ahmad Aqel and a number of businesspeople.

M.K.