Armenian and Iraqi Presidents discuss expanding cooperation and regional peace prospects in New York

During his working visit to New York, President of the Republic of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan met with President of the Republic of Iraq Abd al-Latif Jamal Rashid, the presidential administration reports.
The meeting focused on a number of issues related to the Armenia–Iraq bilateral agenda. Both sides emphasized the need to deepen political dialogue and practical cooperation based on the dynamic development of Armenian-Iraqi relations and mutual interest.
The parties highlighted the importance of expanding bilateral economic cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, and other fields of mutual interest. In this context, they stressed the need to establish direct Yerevan–Baghdad flights as an important tool to promote political, economic, and tourism ties.
The interlocutors assessed positively the recent Armenian-Iraqi business forum and underlined the importance of continuing such initiatives.
The meeting also touched upon regional developments and the overall situation. Particular emphasis was placed on ongoing efforts to establish lasting and sustainable peace following the initialing of the peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan on August 8 of this year, the prospects for implementing the “Crossroads of Peace” project, and the importance of realizing the existing potential for regional mutual benefit.
The presidents also stressed the further development of cooperation in the field of education. In this regard, President Vahagn Khachaturyan noted that the opening of a branch of the Lausanne Hotel Management School (École hôtelière de Lausanne) in Gyumri, Armenia, could also become a valuable opportunity for Iraqi students, which would in turn boost the activation of student exchange programs.