Iraq and Saudi Discuss Boosting Trade Relations

BAGHDAD (NINA) - Trade Minister Mohammed Hashim al-Ani discussed with his Saudi counterpart Majid bin Abdullah al-Qasabi the development of relations between Iraq and Saudi Arabia in all fields, as well as holding businessmen's forums between the two countries and emphasizing the customs facilities. A statement by the Ministry of Trade said that the minister met with his Saudi counterpart Majid bin Abdullah al-Qasabi on Wednesday on the sidelines of his participation in the 34th session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Istanbul. During the meeting, they discussed the development of relations between Iraq and Saudi Arabia in all fields. During the meeting, the Saudi minister stressed the desire of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to develop bilateral relations and work with Iraq in the next stage and hold meetings and forums between businessmen in both countries. He also expressed his country's desire to sign an agreement with Iraq on trade facilitation and customs measures to facilitate the access of goods to the markets of the two countries. He directed an invitation to Al-Ani to visit Saudi Arabia and hold bilateral meetings in the coming stage. In turn, the Minister of Trade, Mohammad Hashim Al-Ani welcomed the invitation, stressing the depth of relations between Iraq and Saudi Arabia and his keenness to develop them in the interest of both countries. He also expressed the desire to increase the volume of trade exchange between the two countries and encourage Saudi investors to invest in Iraq. "/ End