Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit on Sunday said Egypt will lend its full support to the newly-formed Iraqi government headed by incumbent prime minister Nouri al-Maliki.
In a joint press conference with Iraqi counterpart Hushiar Zibari in Baghdad, Abul Gheit expressed hope that the new Iraqi government will properly serve the Iraqi people.
Abul Gheit said he met with al-Maliki and congratulated him on the government formation. He also said he discussed several issues with him including logistical matters related to the upcoming Arab summit scheduled to be held in Baghdad in March.
Zibari welcomed Abul Gheit's visit–the first Arab official to visit Baghdad since the announcement of the new government–adding that the Egyptian minister's presence has had a positive impact on Iraqi officials.
Egypt is capable of supporting Iraq, Zibari said. A ministerial committee for strategic cooperation and dialogue will hold its first session in Cairo at the start of the new year and its second session in Baghdad, according to the Iraqi official.
