The Iraqi Foreign Ministry has officially announced the arrival of Zambry Abd Kadir, the Malaysian Minister of Foreign Affairs, to Baghdad on Wednesday. This marks the commencement of a two-day official visit during which Zambry is set to engage in crucial discussions with high-ranking Iraqi officials.
According to a statement released by Ahmed Al-Sahaf, the spokesperson for the Iraqi Foreign Ministry, Zambry’s visit holds strategic importance. During his time in the Iraqi capital, he is scheduled to hold meetings with prominent figures, including President Abdul Latif Rashid, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein. Zambry’s visit aims to build upon the discussions initiated during the sidelines of the Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement on July 5.
“In a corresponding statement, the Malaysian Foreign Ministry highlighted the significance of this visit in bolstering bilateral relations between Malaysia and Iraq”. The discussions are anticipated to encompass various avenues of cooperation that cater to the shared interests of both nations. Additionally, Zambry’s itinerary includes meetings with Iraqi business leaders to explore potential economic collaborations.
Earlier in July, Iraq’s Foreign Minister, Fuad Hussein, warmly welcomed Malaysia’s decision to reopen its embassy in Iraq, as reported by the Iraqi News Agency (INA). The move comes after Malaysia had closed its embassy in Baghdad in March 2003, a decision made during the US invasion of Iraq. The reopening of the embassy is projected to reinvigorate ties between the two countries and facilitate multifaceted connections spanning trade, investment, education, tourism, and culture.
“This visit signifies a significant step forward in diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Iraq, providing a platform for productive discourse and the exploration of collaborative opportunities between the two nations”.
