Iraq welcomes plans by an Egyptian ministerial delegation along with a large number of Egyptian businessmen to visit Iraq, said Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari on Wednesday. Zebari said the Iraqi Government is currently looking into the details of the visit, which will take place as soon as possible.

In a press statement today on the sidelines of the Non-Aligned Summit meetings, Zabari described Egyptian-Iraqi relations as distinguished, adding that they will remain so and that they come at no one’s expense. He went on to say that neither Egypt nor Iraq are looking for a role to play as their roles are engraved in their history, their relations with different countries and the aptitude of their peoples. He added that Egypt and Iraq are not competing with anyone over any role.

Concerning the reflection of enhanced Egyptian-Iraqi ties on the region and the restoration of balance in the Middle East, Zebari said this balance must return as Egypt and Iraq are two major countries that play a key role in the region and their relations must continue to be distinct.