Baghdad-INA
Iraq and Venezuela agreed on Thursday to strengthen bilateral relations in the cultural, educational, health and tourism sectors.
Venezuelan Ambassador Arturo Anibal told the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that Dhi Qar province is among Iraq’s most important provinces due to its historical significance, noting that meetings were held with local officials to discuss key issues aimed at enhancing relations between the two countries.
He added that the two sides agreed to establish a joint committee tasked with developing bilateral relations and translating ideas into practical implementation on the ground.
He affirmed that his country is “ready to cooperate with Iraq, as both countries share common factors that could help develop relations across various fields,” noting that discussions were held with the local government in Dhi Qar on enhancing cooperation in the cultural, educational, health and tourism sectors.
He added that chambers of commerce and industry in Iraq and Venezuela would have an important supporting role, stressing his country’s readiness to organize exhibitions in Nasiriyah to showcase Venezuelan products.
He concluded by saying that one of the issues discussed was the establishment of an air bridge between the two countries, which would help strengthen and deepen relations between Iraq and Venezuela, particularly in the fields of tourism and trade, adding that the agreement is expected to be signed by both sides.
For his part, Deputy Governor of Dhi Qar Razzaq Kashish told the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that an agreement had been reached to form a joint committee comprising representatives from the industrial and commercial sectors in Dhi Qar and Venezuela.
He said the committee would work on preparing a joint action program and organizing meetings through the Venezuelan embassy in Iraq.
Kashish added that cooperation is expected in the tourism, economic and cultural sectors, noting that key agreements included organizing joint exhibitions and exchanging visits between the two countries.
Meanwhile, official spokesman for the Dhi Qar Provincial Council Ahmed Salim told INA that the local government in Dhi Qar held an expanded meeting with the Venezuelan ambassador during which several decisions were agreed upon, including joint cooperation in the industrial, medical and agricultural sectors, among others.
He noted that one committee would be formed by the local government in Dhi Qar and another by Venezuela to discuss and consult on a number of files, adding that agreement had been reached on most points pending approval by the central government in Baghdad.