Mogadishu Domestic Service radio (in Somali) 1115 GMT

Iraqi Vice President Taha Muhyi ad-Din Ma’ruf left Mogadishu today after concluding his visit to Somalia. He told reporters at the airport that he was very grateful to the Somali Government and people for their warm hospitality during his stay and that his visit would further strengthen fraternal relations between Somalia and Iraq. Taha Muhyi ad-Din Ma’ruf said:

We have discussed with Somali officials matters of
mutual interest to the fraternal peoples of the two countries and the Palestinian cause, which is the basis of the Arab nation’s unity.

He added that they had also discussed with Somali officials the Western Somali territory, which is under colonialism, and the Eritrea issue.

Taha Muhyi ad-Din Ma’ruf said the talks between the two sides ended in success and understanding and that it was agreed that the two countries would form a joint committee to deal with joint projects and other matters regarding education and the economy.

The vice president of Iraq also said the two sides had agreed to increase the exchange of visits between Somalia and Iraq.

_{FBIS-SSA-77-119, 21 June 1977, p. B6}