Thursday, 11 February, 2021 - 09:15
Egypt’s President Abdul Fattah el-Sisi during his meeting with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein in Cairo on Wednesday (Photo courtesy of Egyptian Presidency) Cairo - Asharq Al-Awsat
Egypt’s President Abdul Fattah el-Sisi received on Wednesday Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein in Cairo.
The meeting was attended by Major General Abbas Kamel, head of the General Intelligence Service, and the Iraqi Ambassador to Cairo, Ahmed al-Dulaimi.
The two officials discussed bilateral ties, as well as ways to boost areas of economic, commercial and investment cooperation, in addition to bolstering the tripartite cooperation with Jordan.
Both leaders agreed to “continue consultations to restore security and stability in the region,” especially amid the ongoing challenges on the political and security levels.
Fr. Georges Jahola in Al-Tahira church in Bakhdida in November 2016, shortly after the town’s liberation. Photo courtesy of Fr. Jahola.
Rome Newsroom, Feb 8, 2021 / 12:10 pm (CNA).- The Great Al-Tahira Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Bakhdida was charred black inside after the Islamic State set it aflame after taking control of the town in 2014. Now the restored cathedral is preparing to welcome Pope Francis during his trip to Iraq next month.
Pope Francis is set to be the first pope to visit Iraq. His four-day trip to the country March 5-8 will include stops in Baghdad, Mosul, and Bakhdida (also known as Qaraqosh).
Pope Francis said his upcoming trip to Iraq would be an important sign of his concern for the region's Christians, but also an important opportunity to build fraternity through interreligious dialogue.
The restructuring of alliances in the Middle East does not bode well for Tehran’s regional agenda.
On February 1, Iraqi President Barham Salih joined the secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Baghdad to discuss joint economic, security, and regional concerns. Secretary-General Nayef Falah al-Hajraf confirmed the GCC’s pledge to support Iraq in its fight against terrorism and its commitment to achieving political stability and sovereignty. Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi also met with the GCC leader and ]outlined the necessity for Baghdad to work with its Gulf neighbors to “combat terrorism and the ongoing campaign to pursue its remnants.”
Last month s suicide attack was the first in Baghdad since January 2018, a month after Iraqis declared victory over ISIS following more than three years of fierce fighting.
Two suicide bombers ripped through a bustling outdoor market in central Baghdad frequented by mainly poor people seeking second-hand clothes and goods.
The first bomber pretended to be ill, gathering a crowd of people trying to help before setting off his explosives.
When people rushed to help the wounded, the second man blew himself up.
They killed 32 civilians and injured more than 100. Shortly after the attack, ISIS claimed responsibility, saying it was focused on killing Shiites.