Home
EU, Iraq Sign Partnership & Cooperation Agreement
5/11/2012 2:23 PM ET
(RTTNews) - The European Union and Iraq signed a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement on Friday, marking the first ever such framework agreement between Baghdad and the 27-member European bloc.
While Catherine Ashton, the High Representative for EU's Foreign Affairs and Security Policy as well as Vice President of the European Commission, signed the agreement on behalf of the European bloc, Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari signed the document for his country.
The Partnership and Cooperation Agreement signed Friday provides for regular political dialogue on bilateral, regional and global issues wherever the EU and Iraq have a shared interest in working together.
It is also aimed at improving and clarifying the trade arrangements between Iraq and the EU, promoting vital investment and helping Iraq integrate into the international economy. It also outlines a framework for continuing cooperation in many areas, ranging from health and education to environment and energy.
"I am delighted to sign an Agreement which I am convinced is good for Iraq, good for the EU, and good for our long term relationship. That is what the Agreement is all about: sealing our common wish to work together on a whole range of issues where we both have much to gain. This is the first ever such Agreement between the EU and Iraq," Ashton said in a statement after signing the document.
"For me this agreement is above all a symbol of the EU's wish to be a positive partner for Iraq in its democratic efforts. It is a fitting testament to the EU's determination to build a long-term partnership, not just today or tomorrow, but for many years to come," she added.
by RTT Staff Writer
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
5/11/2012 2:23 PM ET
(RTTNews) - The European Union and Iraq signed a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement on Friday, marking the first ever such framework agreement between Baghdad and the 27-member European bloc.
While Catherine Ashton, the High Representative for EU's Foreign Affairs and Security Policy as well as Vice President of the European Commission, signed the agreement on behalf of the European bloc, Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari signed the document for his country.
The Partnership and Cooperation Agreement signed Friday provides for regular political dialogue on bilateral, regional and global issues wherever the EU and Iraq have a shared interest in working together.
It is also aimed at improving and clarifying the trade arrangements between Iraq and the EU, promoting vital investment and helping Iraq integrate into the international economy. It also outlines a framework for continuing cooperation in many areas, ranging from health and education to environment and energy.
"I am delighted to sign an Agreement which I am convinced is good for Iraq, good for the EU, and good for our long term relationship. That is what the Agreement is all about: sealing our common wish to work together on a whole range of issues where we both have much to gain. This is the first ever such Agreement between the EU and Iraq," Ashton said in a statement after signing the document.
"For me this agreement is above all a symbol of the EU's wish to be a positive partner for Iraq in its democratic efforts. It is a fitting testament to the EU's determination to build a long-term partnership, not just today or tomorrow, but for many years to come," she added.
by RTT Staff Writer
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
