Tunisian, Iraqi leaders meet on ties, Gaza situation

TUNIS, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Tunisian President Kais Saied on Wednesday met with visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani to discuss bilateral ties and the situation in Gaza, according to a statement released by the presidency.

During the meeting, Saied reiterated his country's support for the Palestinian people's struggle for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, underscoring the need to "intensify efforts to end the war of genocide and the crimes committed in Palestine."

He also expressed Tunisia's readiness to strengthen ties with Iraq and explore new avenues for cooperation based on shared interests.

Saied added Tunisia is ready to expand cooperation with Iraq in such areas as air transport, tourism, culture, energy, agriculture and trade exchange.

Earlier in the day, the Iraqi prime minister said during a press conference in Tunis that there are important opportunities in Iraq, which is witnessing unprecedented development, highlighting the willingness of private sectors to invest in Tunisia.