The subsequent session of the Armenian-Iraqi Intergovernmental Commission kicked off in Baghdad today. The session was co-chaired by the Armenian Minister of the Territorial Administration and Emergency Situations (MTAES), Armen Yeritsyan, and Agriculture Minister of Iraq Falah Zaidan. The Armenian delegation is composed of the representatives from the Armenian MFA, as well as Ministries of Energy, Health and Agriculture.

Issues on economic and humanitarian cooperation are on the agenda of the meetings, Armenian MFA press-service reports.

During the session, the sides attached special attention to the active cooperation in different spheres - especially trade and economic one - between Armenia and Iraq, as well as the significant growth in commodity turnover in the recent years. The working groups discussed issues on deepening cooperation and searching for new ways.

On the sidelines of his visit, Minister Yeritsyan had a meeting with the Iraqi President Fuad Masum. The Minister noted that the Armenian and Iraqi people have various historical similarities, having lived side by side in the same environment for decades, and the Armenian authorities are thus committed to enhance the friendship and foster the development and deepening of bilateral cooperation by all means.

The importance of establishing direct flight and at the same time land routes, as well as expanding the business communications was underscored.  

For his part, President Masum especially stressed the presence of Armenians in Iraq and their participation in and contribution to the development of the country. According to him, the presence of Armenians in Iraq has a decade-long history: Armenian traces can be found in various regions of the country, and the issues of concern to the Armenian community are always in the centre of the Iraqi authorities’ attention.

Mr Yeritsyan conveyed special gratitude to the Iraqi authorities for the support to the Armenian community in Iraq.

The work of the Commission will continue till Wednesday.