Iranian Minister of Information and Communications Technology Seyed Sattar Hashemi and the visiting Iraqi Minister of Communications Mustafa Jabbar Sanad described cybersecurity as the common issue of Tehran and Baghdad, stressing expansion of mutual ICT bonds.
They made the statement at a joint
press conference on Monday following a meeting during which the two ministers discussed
expansion of relations in the fields of communications as well as digital economy.
The Iranian minister stressed the
shared capacities and deep ties between Iran and Iraq and described the
development of ICT cooperation between the two neighboring countries as a basis
for synergy and building a shared future.
Hashemi referred to his visit to
Iraq in July and said, “The development of technological relations and
cooperation between Iran and Iraq, within the framework of technology
diplomacy, is on the agenda, and this cooperation can lead to greater synergy
between the two countries in various areas of technology.”
“During the visit, we had an
opportunity to discuss and reach an understanding with our Iraqi brothers on
various issues. One of the issues agreed upon was the participation of the
Iraqi communications minister in the 29th International ELECOMP Exhibition,
which officially opened today.”
Expressing his thanks to the
Iraqi communications minister and his accompanying delegation for their
presence in Iran, he added, “I sincerely thank the government and people of
Iraq for their dignified and exemplary hospitality towards Iranian pilgrims
during the Arbaeen procession.”
“The Iraqi people’s heroic and
magnificent participation in the funeral procession for the Iranian martyrs of recent
Israeli-US war was also a manifestation of the deep emotional, religious and
spiritual bonds between the two nations, which the world witnessed.”
Referring to the Iraqi
communications minister’s practical and pragmatic approach, Hashemi continued “During
our visit to Iraq, we invited him to attend the Arbaeen-related events and the
ELECOMP exhibition, become acquainted firsthand with the technological
capacities and achievements of Iran, and have greater opportunities for
dialogue on interactions and joint cooperation strategies between the two
countries.”
“He warmly welcomed and accepted
the invitation,” Hashemi added.
The Iranian ICT Minister noted
that the historical, cultural, religious and economic ties with Iraq constitute
a unique asset for building a shared future, and added “These commonalities can
pave the way for developing cooperation between the two countries in various
fields, particularly in technology and communications.”
Iran and Iraq Stand by Each Other
Iraqi Communications Minister, Mustafa
Jabbar Sanad thanked Iran for its hospitality and warm welcome.
“I would like to thank Dr Hashemi
and everyone who accompanied us during this visit, particularly the deputy
ministers and colleagues at the ICT Ministry, who have handled matters in the
best possible manner since our arrival in Iran.”
Referring to the timing of the
visit during the Arbaeen period, he added, “As the Iranian minister pointed
out, this visit was made under the blessing of the pilgrimage to Imam Hussein (PBUH)
and also followed an official invitation extended to the Iraqi delegation to
visit Iran.”
“Our visit also carries another
important message: Iran and Iraq, as two neighboring and friendly countries,
will always stand by each other and will never distance themselves from one
another.”
Cybersecurity, Common ISsue of
Iran and Iraq
Responding to a question about
Iran-Iraq cooperation in cybersecurity and the possibility of cooperating with
other countries in this field, the Iraqi minister referred to previous agreements
between the two countries in various fields.
“Iran and Iraq have signed
several memoranda of understanding in various areas over the past years,
including postal services and cybersecurity,” he added.
“In the field of technology, we
engage with countries with which cooperation is possible, and we seek to obtain
the technology we need while complying with specified and clearly defined
standards.”
Also Hashemi, responding to a
reporter, stressed the two countries’ shared capacities, saying “The deep bond
that exists between the two nations and countries is undeniable, and numerous
commonalities between Iran and Iraq naturally provide a basis for extensive
interaction.”
Stressing that “today’s language
is the language of technology,” he stated, “Today, the language of dialogue,
the economy, politics and many interactions between countries is technology.
There are numerous issues in this field that can, as shared achievements,
benefit both countries and provide a basis for greater synergy.”
The ICT Minister identified cybersecurity
as one of the most important areas of cooperation between Iran and Iraq, saying
“Cybersecurity is a common issue that cannot be addressed separately, and it is
of very great importance.”
“Cooperation and synergy between
Iran and Iraq on such issues can help strengthen the capabilities of the two
countries and create joint capacities to address challenges in the field of
technology and communications,” he noted.