Armenia's Deputy PM and Territorial Administration Minister Armen Gevorgyan and Iraq's Deputy PM Rowsch Nuri Shaways co-chaired inaugural session of the Armenian-Iraqi Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, which was held in Baghdad on November 7, Territorial Administration Ministry Public Relations Department informed Noyan Tapan. The Armenian and Iraqi delegation heads presented the economic situation in their respective countries and discussed cooperation issues. They underscored the need to improve trade and economic ties and the level of goods exchange. The Iraqi party provided information on the activities toward reopening Iraqi Embassy in Armenia, and it was noted that Iraqi Ambassador to Armenia will be appointed by the end of the year. Also, the parties made arrangement on holding an Armenian-Iraqi business forum. Also, the delegations discussed the opportunities for exporting agricultural products, mineral and drinking water, and canned goods. They stressed the need for training healthcare staff and establishing contacts between the medical facilities of the two countries, and reflected on the avenues for a joint production of medication. They discussed organizational matters with respect to sending Iraqi patients to Armenia for treatment. In this context, Armenia's Health Minister Derenik Dumanyan expressed readiness to organize ten Iraqi children's free surgery in Armenia's capital city Yerevan. In addition, the parties agreed to cooperate in extracting oil and natural gas. Following the session, the Armenian delegation led by the Deputy PM met with Iraq's Premier, Nouri al-Maliki. The parties reflected on the aforesaid session and the opportunities for collaboration in the military sphere and in the oil and natural gas sector. They underscored the need to develop new transportation routes and to form a legal and contractual framework. "The Noyan Tapan Highlights", #41 (938) 12 November 2012

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