Baghdad(Mogadishu24)–Somalia and Iraq have agreed to strengthen cooperation in the health and training sectors following a meeting between Somalia’s Minister of Health, Ali Haji Aden, and his Iraqi counterpart, Dr. Salih Mahdi Al-Hasnawi, in Baghdad Friday.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 61st session of the Council of Arab Health Ministers, hosted in the Iraqi capital.

Following their discussion, Minister Ali Haji Aden highlighted Iraq’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s health sector, particularly through the training of Somali doctors and the exchange of expertise.

“I had a fruitful meeting with my Iraqi counterpart, Dr. Salih Mahdi Al-Hasnawi, to discuss health cooperation between the two countries. I commended Iraq’s commitment to train Somali doctors and exchange expertise to strengthen the health cadres in Somalia. We look forward to enhancing cooperation in the near future,” Aden stated.

During the session, Minister Aden delivered a speech in which he emphasized the importance of cooperation among Arab states to improve health services. He also praised the League of Arab States for its ongoing support to Somalia’s health sector.

“I attended the 61st session of the Council of Arab Health Ministers in Baghdad, where I commended the support of the League of Arab States to the health sector in the Federal Republic of Somalia. I stress the importance of cooperation to enhance health services and improve maternal and child health,” Aden remarked.

The meeting marks a step toward enhancing bilateral collaboration between Somalia and Iraq, focusing on building health capacity and improving access to quality healthcare, particularly for vulnerable groups such as mothers and children.