First in Iraq's history Iraqi province inks sisterhood pact with Cebu

MANILA, Philippines - The Provincial Government of Mosul, Iraq officially becomes a partner of Cebu Province as officials of both governments sign a sisterhood agreement today.

A delegation from Mosul, Iraq headed by its governor, Athil Abdulazeez Mohammed Alnajafie, paid a courtesy call to Governor Gwendolyn Garcia yesterday and manifested interest to establish ties with Cebu. Iraqi Ambassador to the Philippines Wadee Hanna Al-Batti said this is the first time that a provincial government of Iraq is establishing sisterhood ties with another province outside their country.

Al-Batti said they chose Cebu among other provinces in the Philippines considering Cebu Province’s significance in terms of business and employment, among others.

“We want to establish good relations with other nations. We chose Cebu to start our relations between the Iraq and the Philippines. Cebu is a significant place. It is a very big and active province,” he said.

Garcia, for her part, welcomed the move. She called for a meeting with the Provincial Board members to discuss the matter, which she said she would certainly approve of.

The governor was supposed to go to Madridejos yesterday for the Isda Festival but was prevented by the weather.

“Maybe this was pre-ordained that we meet and establish ties together,” Garcia said, adding that she might also pay a visit to Iraq. As for her security there, Al-Batti said they can assure Garcia of it.

“We are open to many possibilities. That’s why Cebu has become what it is now,” she said, after learning from the delegation that they found it hard to establish ties in Manila.

For more than 10 years, the country of Iraq was closed to other countries because of a war.

“But now they are reaching out. Iraq needs help. They have the money but they still need help,” Garcia said. The delegation is also set to establish sisterhood ties with Mandaue City today. — (FREEMAN)