German Chancellor Merz meets with Iraqi Prime Minister Zeydi

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Zeydi arrived in Germany, the second stop of his European tour following France. Zeydi met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Merz and Zeydi held a joint press conference following their talks at the Chancellery in the capital, Berlin.

Chancellor Merz stated that during his meetings with his guest, they discussed how relations between Iraq and Germany would be shaped in the coming period and that they had concretized the German-Iraqi Action Plan within this scope. Merz said, "Germany is in favor of a strong and developing Iraq. Cooperation between Germany and Iraq in the fields of economy and energy is increasing. Our trade is reviving. This is to the benefit of both sides. Favorable conditions are necessary for the German and European economies to have a strong presence in Iraq."

"Iran must lift the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz"

Noting that they also evaluated the latest situation in the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's blockade there, Merz said that the Tehran administration's activities that destabilize the region must come to an end. Merz said, "Iran must finally put an end to its blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Above all, it needs to stop its military and nuclear program. We call on Iran not to drag this conflict into Iraq. Tehran's support for proxy forces in the region must also end."

Regarding developments concerning the Houthis' seizure of the critical city of Mocha and its port on the Red Sea coast, as well as some islands including Perim Island in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, Merz said, "We are watching with concern. The Houthis now control strategic positions around the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait and are attacking energy facilities in Saudi Arabia. This situation is further worsening the situation in international energy markets. The international community cannot allow the hostage-taking of maritime transport in the Red Sea. We are in consultation with our partners within the European Union and in the region, as well as with you. There are issues where we can contribute together."

"Iraq has been the most harmed by developments in the Strait of Hormuz"

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Zeydi noted that the relationship between his country and Germany is an extraordinary one that transcends time and is based on mutual respect. Zeydi said, "We want to build and strengthen economic bridges between the two countries. Technology transfer from Germany to Iraq is important. There is a lot of raw material and labor in Iraq, but technology and German expertise are needed. This partnership will not be a one-sided partnership. This will be a two-sided partnership and a mutual exchange between us. We have energy reserves. We can make agreements between the Iraqi government and the German government regarding the export of crude oil to Germany, and Iraq will purchase technology and equipment from Germany."

Noting that Germany and Iraq have a great desire to stop the escalation of tension in the Middle East and to find a solution to the conflict between Iran and the US, the Iraqi Prime Minister said, "This problem is not just a problem between two countries; it concerns the entire world and the victimized nations. Iraq has been affected in the worst way because it cannot export its petroleum products. This situation is also felt in the oil markets. Citizens are also feeling this."

Stating that they want to diversify the routes and countries to which Iraq exports crude oil, Zeydi said, "We are open to Europe. We are open to everyone in general. Our vision is to double our production. This will meet a large part of the required amount. Half of this will go to Europe and the west. This is our plan."

News Source: 12punto