The document was signed during a meeting between Iraqi Vice President Khozar Al-Khozai and Peru’s Deputy Foreign Minister Jose Beraun, who is on a tour of Arab nations in advance of the 3rd Summit of South American and Arab Countries (ASPA) to be held in Lima on October 1-2 this year.

During the meeting, Beraun conveyed Peruvian President Ollanta Humala's message to the Iraqi president and prime minister, inviting them to attend the ASPA summit, which aims to strengthen ties between the two regions for economic and social development.

During his stay in Baghdad, Beraun also discussed ways to foster bilateral cooperation in view of the Peruvian experience in the agricultural industry in arid or desert lands as well as in forest conservation, which are priorities for Iraq’s reconstruction.

In addition, Peru and Iraq concluded an agreement concerning mutual abolition of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and service passports and another on cooperation between their state news agencies ahead of the ASPA Summit.

Peru would establish a concurrent embassy in Iraq and soon appoint an Honorary Consul there.

(END) CCR/RZZ/LVT/EEP