Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fouad Hussein stressed the importance of the historical relations between Iraq and Somalia and the necessity of developing them in various fields. A statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Hussein received, today, Monday, the Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hamza Abdi Barre, and the accompanying ministerial delegation at the Ministry building. The Minister stressed during the meeting, according to the statement, the importance of the historical relations between the two brotherly countries and the necessity of developing them in various fields, opening new horizons for cooperation, and supporting Iraqi investors to move towards the African side, especially brotherly Somalia, due to its important strategic location and great wealth, pointing to the current foreign policy orientation towards opening up to African countries and opening new markets. For his part, the Somali Prime Minister expressed his thanks for the posi tive and fruitful meetings he held in Baghdad, stressing that his country has passed the difficult stage and is now witnessing development in political and economic relations. The two sides agreed, according to the statement, on the importance of activating the formation of the Supreme Ministerial Committee and establishing a mechanism for coordination between the two countries. The Foreign Minister also stressed Iraq's readiness to cooperate with Somalia in the cultural and scientific fields as well, by opening the way for Somali students to study in Iraq. Source: National Iraqi News Agency