The Presidency
In a significant diplomatic engagement, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi held a phone conversation today with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani. The leaders addressed a broad range of issues, from deepening bilateral ties to pressing regional developments, underscoring the growing strategic partnership between Cairo and Baghdad amid an increasingly volatile Middle East.
According to presidential spokesperson Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, the conversation built on the momentum of the third session of the Egyptian-Iraqi Joint Higher Committee, held in Baghdad in January 2025. That meeting marked a key milestone in the two countries’ efforts to enhance cooperation across various sectors. During their call, both El-Sisi and Al-Sudani reaffirmed their commitment to capitalizing on the committee’s progress, with particular focus on expanding economic and commercial collaboration.
President El-Sisi emphasized Egypt’s unwavering support for Iraq’s ongoing reconstruction and infrastructure development efforts. He highlighted the willingness of Egyptian companies, especially in the private sector, to play a central role in these initiatives, citing their considerable expertise and established track record in delivering large-scale projects across the region.
In turn, Prime Minister Al-Sudani expressed deep appreciation for Egypt’s support and solidarity. He praised Cairo’s consistent backing of Iraq’s stability and development, acknowledging the positive impact of Egyptian cooperation on Baghdad’s broader national recovery strategy.
The leaders also addressed several escalating regional crises, with a particular focus on what they described as the “blatant Israeli aggression against the State of Qatar.” Both El-Sisi and Al-Sudani issued a firm and unified condemnation of the attack, labeling it a flagrant breach of international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter. They expressed unequivocal support for Qatar’s sovereignty and stability, rejecting any foreign interference or attempts to undermine its territorial integrity.
Turning to the situation in Gaza, the two leaders stressed the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire and the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid into the besieged enclave. They reiterated their rejection of any efforts to forcibly displace the Palestinian population from their land, calling such actions unacceptable and dangerous to regional peace.
In a broader context, President El-Sisi briefed the Iraqi Prime Minister on Egypt’s recent diplomatic engagements concerning the Iranian nuclear issue. He revealed that Egypt had played a behind-the-scenes mediating role in helping broker an agreement between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), aimed at reviving stalled cooperation between the two sides. This diplomatic breakthrough, the President noted, reflects Cairo’s commitment to defusing regional tensions and promoting dialogue as a means of achieving sustainable peace and security.
Today’s conversation between the Egyptian and Iraqi leaders underscored not only the depth of bilateral ties but also their shared vision for a more stable, sovereign, and cooperative Middle East. As regional challenges continue to mount, Cairo and Baghdad appear poised to play increasingly influential roles in shaping the geopolitical landscape of the Arab world.
