Iraq is renewing its ties with the Philippines after a decade with the visit of its government delegation to Manila.
Iraqi Embassy in Manila Charge d'Affaires Khalid Ibrahim Mohammed said an 18-member delegation from the Iraqi government is currently in the Philippines for the 8th Iraq-Philippines Joint Committee Meeting (JCM), which is set on August 30 and 31.
It is led by Iraq's Ministry of Health.
"With the renewal of cooperation between our governments, Iraq targets to further strengthen its bilateral ties with the Philippines, which diplomatic relation was established 48 years ago when the Iraqi Embassy opened in Manila in 1975," Mohammed said.
The undertaking is historic as both countries are resuming the JCM after 10 years. The last one was held in Baghdad on March 18 and 19, 2013.
"It is an opportune time to stimulate the bilateral relations between Manila and Baghdad through the JCM, which aims to enhance development efforts between our governments through joint cooperation in areas of health, energy, trade, investments, air services, consular work, education, and culture," Mohammed said.
"The JCM will also look into improving ties between our businesses, to explore partnerships that will help us grow our two-way trade and investments," he added.