Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met Ammar al-Hakim, head of Iraq’s Hikma Movement, in Cairo on Thursday and pledged continued support for Iraq’s security and stability. Sisi said Egypt backed measures taken by the Iraqi state to protect its sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. The talks also covered Baghdad’s efforts to fight corruption and bring weapons under state control. Hikma Movement deputy head Mohsen al-Hakim, adviser Ahmed al-Hakim, Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad and Iraqi Ambassador Qahtan Taha al-Janabi attended the meeting. Sisi visited Baghdad in June 2021, becoming the first Egyptian president to travel to Iraq in decades. The visit was part of a trilateral initiative with Iraq and Jordan to deepen political, economic and security coordination. Egyptian presidential spokesperson Mohamed al-Shennawy said Sisi stressed the countries’ historic ties and Egypt’s commitment to engaging with Iraqi state institutions and political groups. Sisi praised Iraq’s fight against terrorism and extremist ideology. He also commended al-Hakim’s efforts to strengthen stability, narrow political differences and put Iraq’s national interests first. Al-Hakim said Egypt played a central role in regional security and stability, including by supporting Iraq’s efforts to regain its leading place in the Arab world and the wider region. He said he wanted Sisi’s views on how to ease current regional tensions and shield Iraq from their effects. Security and stability Salah Halima, a member of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs and a former assistant foreign minister, said some elements in Iraq were at odds with efforts to secure the country. Action was needed to prevent activities beyond the control of Iraq’s governing authorities, he said. “The situation may require a very high degree of cooperation between Egypt and Iraq,” Halima told Asharq Al-Awsat. “Iraq’s national security is an integral part of Arab national security and closely linked to security and stability in the Red Sea and the Gulf.” Halima said al-Hakim’s visit underscored the need for agreement on removing threats in Iraq and preventing any escalation that could destabilize the country. It could also spur broader cooperation between Cairo and Baghdad, he said. The Egyptian presidency said the two leaders discussed the regional situation and its impact, particularly on Egypt and Iraq. Sisi outlined Egypt’s call for peaceful solutions to crises and conflicts, support for legitimate institutions and an inclusive nation-state. He also described Egyptian efforts to lower tensions and avert another round of escalation. Iraq should continue playing a constructive role in strengthening collective Arab security and safeguarding the region’s resources, he said. Visits gather pace Contacts between Cairo and Baghdad have intensified. Sisi received former Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on Aug. 27, 2024, for talks on energy, trade, investment and reconstruction. The two countries’ foreign ministers have also discussed ways to ease regional tensions. In late August, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi met Egypt’s intelligence chief, who delivered a message from Sisi. According to the Iraqi cabinet, Sisi praised the countries’ strategic ties and expressed his readiness to support efforts to meet the aspirations of their peoples. A senior delegation from Iraq’s Ministry of Water Resources visited Egypt early this month to strengthen technical cooperation and exchange expertise. The Palestinian issue also featured in Thursday’s meeting. Sisi described Egypt’s efforts to implement the second phase of the Sharm el-Sheikh agreement and the US peace plan, deliver aid and expand humanitarian relief in Gaza. He reiterated Egypt’s position that a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital must be established in accordance with international resolutions, calling it the only comprehensive and just solution to the Palestinian issue.
