Egypt, Iraq finalize deal on extending joint oil pipeline via Jordan

Egypt and Iraq have finalized a deal on extending an oil pipeline from Iraq to Egypt via Jordan to secure Egypt's needs of petroleum, new Iraqi Ambassador in Cairo Habib Hadi Sadr said.

In an interview with MENA on Wednesday, Sadr, who is also Iraq's envoy to the Arab League, said there are historical ties binding Egypt and Iraq and furthering these relations would not be at the expense of Egypt's ties with any other Arab state.

Sadr hailed the warm welcome of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi to him, noting that he will work hard in the coming period to facilitate Iraqis access to Egypt for tourism, study and investment.

He said Iraqi tourists prefer to go to Egypt in lieu of Turkey or any other state to boost the Arab state's economy.

Sadr said he is aware of the Egyptian measures, urging Egyptian authorities not to be concerned about Iraqis because they are well aware that Egypt's security is Iraq's security.

Sadr added that he would work in the coming period to enhance ties between Iraq and Azhar Sheikhdom, stressing that Azhar represents moderate Islam.

He said Iraq wants to collaborate with Azhar to renew religious discourse in Iraq, stressing Iraq's support for Sisi's call to upgrade religious discourse.

Sadr said he would visit Azhar Sheikhdom soon to meet with Grand Imam of Azhar Sheikh Ahmed Tayyeb for talks on renewing religious discourse.

Sadr voiced condolences over the victims of the recent terror attack on Egypt's El Boutroseya Church, noting that he will also hold contacts with Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria and Patriarch of Saint Mark Diocese soon.

The Iraqi envoy underlined his country's keenness on cementing ties with Egypt, noting that there is a strategic plan to give a fillip to bilateral ties at all levels.

Sadr said he considers Egypt as the pillar of Arab states.

He added that Egypt and Iraq are in one tunnel and share the same goal of fostering bilateral ties and combating terror and extremists – that are considered as a common enemy.

He said Cairo and Baghdad would further coordinate and cooperate at international forums to serve prickly Arab issues as there is common understanding between Cairo and Baghdad.

He said Egypt and Iraq seek to stem bloodshed in the Arab world and end current conflicts.

He said the two countries' stands vis-à-vis Arab issues are identical, expounding that the two state back political solutions to the current crises as the military solution is not effective and leads to destruction.