ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi made a short trip to Jordan on Friday, discussing energy and food security with top officials from the host country, UAE, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
Kadhimi’s one-day trip followed an official invitation by Jordan’s King Abdullah II. Both leaders met and discussed bilateral relations and “ways to enhance joint cooperation at various levels,” according to a statement by the Iraqi PM’s office, adding that they also talked about “developments in the global economic crisis and ways to confront its repercussions.”
Later, a meeting was held between Kadhimi, King Abdullah, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State Turki bin Mohammed al-Saud in Amman.
The Arab leaders talked about “strengthening joint Arab action in various fields, especially in mitigating the effects of the economic crisis in the food security and energy sectors. The meeting discussed high coordination, expanding economic cooperation, and increasing trade exchange in a way that achieves the interests of brotherly peoples in prosperity and development,” added the statement by Kadhimi’s office.
Global energy exports are shrouded with uncertainty as Russia's invasion of Ukraine surpasses its one-month mark. Gulf states have been treading carefully with the situation, seeking to maintain neutrality with Russia, also part of OPEC+, an organization with major influence over oil prices.
Kadhimi’s meeting with the fellow Arab leaders coincides with Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani’s visit to the UAE.
Barzani will participate in the annual Global Energy Forum which will be attended by numerous experts and national leaders and will be held in Dubai on March 28 and 29. The Kurdish PM is a main panelist in the event.