Iraqi President Barham Salih affirmed his country’s aspiration to benefit from the successful Egyptian experience in implementing development projects and comprehensive economic reforms as part of reconstruction efforts in Iraq.

Salih’s remarks came as he participated in a tripartite meeting in Baghdad along with Egypt’s President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi and King Abdullah II of Jordan.

Salih also affirmed Iraq’s keenness to benefit from Egypt’s tireless efforts in countering terrorism and extremism, especially through intensifying coordination and communication between the relevant institutions of both countries, a statement by the Egyptian Presidency read.

El-Sisi voiced Egypt’s keenness to establish a new phase of constructive cooperation on the bilateral level with Iraq and on the trilateral level with both Iraq and Jordan.

The Egyptian president urged the three countries to expand the horizon of strategic partnership, especially within a sustainable framework of economic integrity and strategic cooperation.

This comes amid the joint challenges facing the three countries, the statement added.

Salih voiced his country’s keenness to boost cooperation with Egypt to the level of strategic partnership to support the interests of their peoples and as a cornerstone for preserving security and stability in the region and for restoring the regional balance.

El-Sisi arrived in the Iraqi capital on Sunday, which is the first visit by an Egyptian leader to the conflict-torn country in nearly three decades.

He also held a summit with Al-Kadhimi and King Abdullah II, the fourth round of talks between the three countries to promote cooperation mechanisms and reinforce political consultation on regional issues.