Baghdad: Minister of Trade Athir Al-Ghariri met with the new Egyptian Ambassador to Iraq, Ahmed Samir, to discuss ways of enhancing economic and trade relations between Iraq and Egypt, including the potential increase in the trade volume between the two nations. According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Ministry of Trade issued a statement detailing the discussions which focused on strengthening economic ties and speeding up the processes for convening a new session of the Iraqi-Egyptian Joint Higher Committee. The statement also mentioned the follow-up on the outcomes from the previous session of this committee. During the meeting, Minister Al-Ghariri emphasized the Iraqi government's commitment to bolstering economic partnerships and fostering cooperation across various sectors with Egypt, aiming to boost economic development and serve mutual interests. He highlighted the historical and fraternal relations between Iraq and Egypt, expressing hopes to develop a roadmap to enhance trade volumes and achiev e economic integration. Al-Ghariri also noted the economic reforms implemented by the current government which have revitalized several Iraqi factories, returning them to their productive capacities from decades ago. He confirmed that the Iraqi Prime Minister has approved the early next year meetings for the Iraqi-Egyptian Joint Higher Committee, underscoring the need for cooperation to finalize the meeting's agenda and the memoranda of understanding that will be discussed. Ambassador Samir reiterated Egypt's commitment to reinforcing the economic partnership with Iraq, recognizing the importance of such cooperation in light of regional challenges. He emphasized the deep-rooted relations between the two countries and the necessity to enhance efforts for stronger economic ties.