Iraq, the Netherlands to form comprehensive bilateral cooperation council
The Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, and the Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte. Photo: PMO
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, agreed on Thursday with the Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, to form a comprehensive bilateral cooperation council.
Al-Sudani, accompanied by the Iraqi Foreign Minister and Agriculture Minister, held bilateral discussions with Rutte related to collaboration and partnership between the two countries, according to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
The statement mentioned that delegations from the two countries held a meeting to discuss issues of common interest.
The talks led to an agreement to form a comprehensive bilateral cooperation council between Iraq and the Netherlands, including committees specialized in developing the agriculture sector in addition to a committee tasked with water and irrigation technologies.
These committees will be concerned with the challenges that Iraq has in terms of water shortages and desertification, given the vast expertise the Dutch corporations have.
Al-Sudani confirmed the shift to bilateral relations to maintain collaboration and stability initiatives, praising the Netherlands’ support for Iraq in the international coalition fighting ISIS.
The Iraqi Prime Minister renewed Iraq’s stance regarding the withdrawal of the international coalition in Iraq, particularly with the growing capabilities of the Iraqi security forces.
Al-Sudani called on the international community to stop the ongoing aggression in Gaza, urging European countries to play their role in protecting the Palestinian people.
The Dutch Prime Minister affirmed his country’s eagerness to promote cooperation with Iraq and focus on economic and development aspects.
Rutte also valued the Iraqi government’s invitation to Dutch companies to participate in Iraq’s development objectives and important strategic economic initiatives.