September 04, 2001

‘3’

    The leader of visiting delegation of Goodwill to Iraq Dr. Najma Heptullah presented the Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s message to Iraqi President, Saddam Hussein in Baghdad today.

    Dr. Najma Heptullah also conveyed India’s sympathy for Iraqi people and support for lifting sanctions against Iraq. President Saddam also assured complete support for strengthening and taking forward Indo-Iraq relations. Indian leader also briefed Iraqi President about terrorism problem in India "The President Saddam Hussein values India’s friendship and the visit of the Goodwill Delegation a hundred per cent success", she told the reporters after the meeting.

    Dr. Heptullah also met Minister of External Affairs, Trade and Communications. She is scheduled to meet Minister for Information, Oil, Deputy Prime Minister and Speaker of the Parliament later during the visit.

    During her discussions with Minister of Trade, Mohd. Mehdi Salah, Dr. Heptullah was assured that Iraq does not have any problem with Indian wheat and is willing to prefer Indian wheat over others, provided it is clean and handled properly. The Trade Minister also said that Indian companies will be given preference in awarding of contracts. Discussions regarding trade in oil, rice and wheat will continue at Ministerial and official level.

    Dr. Najma Heptullah also told the reporters that Foreign Ministers of India and Iraq may meet on the guidelines of the U.N. General Assembly Session in September.

    The 79 member Goodwill Mission from India, which is visiting Iraq on a three-day tour was received by the Communication Minister, Dr. Ahmed Murtadha Ahmed yesterday. The group comprises Minister of State for Commerce and Railways, Shri Digvijay Singh as Deputy leader and Members of Parliament, Businessmen, academicians and people from other sections of civil society.