Iraq, Armenia eye more trade + Pakistan, GCC to sign trade agreement soon. PLUS: More from Egypt, Iran, and Qatar and Saudi Arabia

Iraqi Commerce Minister Atheer Daoud Al Ghurairy met on Wednesday with Armenian Economy Minister Vahan Keropian to discuss increasing bilateral trade and strengthening economic ties, according to a statement. Both sides expressed their willingness to boost cooperation in electricity, agriculture, and renewable energy, as well as increase investment opportunities for the private sector.

ALSO WORTH KNOWING-

• GCC Secretary General Jassim Al Budaiwi highlighted plans to finalize a trade agreement between the GCC and Pakistan in the near future during a phone call with Pakistani Foreign Affairs Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani. (Statement)
• Egypt, France talk boosting transport ties: EgyptianPresident Abdel Fattah El Sisi discussed strengthening bilateral relations on the energy, transport and climate fronts with French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna on Thursday. (Statement)
• Iranian ambassador Reza Amiri Moghaddam met with Pakistan’s Finance Minister Shamshad Akhtar in Islamabad to discuss current and future economic cooperation, including boosting border trade. (Statement)
• Chinese markets open for Egyptian mango: Egyptian Agriculture Minister El Sayed El Quseir inked an MoU with the Chinese Customs Vice Minister Wang Lingjun to export Egyptian mango to Chinese markets. (Statement)
• Officials from the interior ministries of Qatar and Saudi Arabia met to discuss a port cooperation project between the land ports of Abu Samra Port in Qatar and Salwa Port in KSA. (Qatar News Agency)