BAGHDAD, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Iraq and Greece announced Thursday that direct flights between Athens and Baghdad will resume in December, while vowing to expand economic ties.
The announcement came during a meeting in Baghdad between Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and visiting Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, where the two also discussed bilateral relations and regional developments, the Iraqi Foreign Ministry said.
Gerapetritis confirmed that Greek airlines plan to launch the flights in December. Hussein welcomed the move, saying it will strengthen social ties and boost economic and tourism exchanges between the countries.
The ministers also discussed cooperation in trade, education, and the medical sector, with Greek companies expressing interest in supplying medical equipment and medicines.
They also addressed regional issues, including the situation in Gaza, with Hussein reiterating Iraq's support for the current Gaza truce agreement.
Greece suspended flights to Baghdad in 1991 after Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. Plans to resume air services emerged in the 2010s but were later halted for other reasons. ■
