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Egypt-Iraq-Jordan Entente

Three nations, three different security challenges, but one common goal: regional stability. The Egypt-Iraq-Jordan Entente, formally established in 2019, is a trilateral military and economic cooperation framework aimed at strengthening counterterrorism, border security, and economic resilience. While Egypt provides military expertise, Iraq battles internal insurgencies, and Jordan serves as a diplomatic bridge, their combined efforts seek to counter Iranian influence, terrorist networks, and economic instability in a region fraught with security dilemmas.

History

  • Origins in the 1980s: The idea of closer ties between these three states dates back to previous efforts at Arab cooperation, including joint political and economic agreements during the Cold War era.
  • Revival (2019): The modern iteration of the Egypt-Iraq-Jordan Entente was formalized in 2019 to promote regional economic projects and energy sector integration.
  • Summit Meetings (2020–Present): Multiple high-level summits have been held to outline joint infrastructure projects, energy corridors, and trade expansion.

Major Characteristics, Initiatives, and Important Facts

Economic and Energy Cooperation:

  • Oil and Energy Deals: Iraq supplies discounted oil to Jordan and Egypt, strengthening regional energy security.
  • Electricity Grid Integration: Jordan and Iraq have launched projects to connect their power grids to stabilize energy supplies.
  • Infrastructure and Trade Expansion: Plans for a land corridor to facilitate trade and logistics between the three nations.

Security and Political Cooperation:

  • Counterterrorism and Stability: The entente supports regional security coordination to counter extremist threats and improve border security.
  • Diplomatic Coordination: Aims to balance regional rivalries by fostering a moderate Arab bloc.
  • Reconstruction in Iraq: Egypt and Jordan have pledged assistance for Iraq’s post-war reconstruction and economic recovery.

Strategic Importance:

  • Reducing Reliance on Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Iran: The partnership offers an alternative regional economic framework that diversifies economic and energy dependencies.
  • Potential Expansion: Discussions on including other Arab nations have emerged, positioning the entente as a possible foundation for a broader regional bloc.
  • Geopolitical Balancing: Strengthens ties with Western allies and global economic institutions while fostering independent Arab economic integration.

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