The Arab League (AL) is ready to provide Iraq’s needs in a way that serves the people’s interests, said its Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit.
Aboul Gheit arrived in Baghdad on Saturday on a one-day official visit, during which he met with senior Iraqi leaders and officials, according to Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He is also expected to meet with Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) leaders during a visit to Erbil, the statement added.
In a joint press conference with Iraq’s Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, Aboul Gheit hailed Baghdad’s pivotal role in the region.
Hussein said he discussed with Aboul Gheit “regional issues of common interest and bilateral relations.”
They also tackled Baghdad’s foreign policy and outcomes of the visits of Iraqi officials to some regional countries, especially Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi’s recent trips to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Iraq’s relations with Turkey and Iran and the situation in Syria were also part of the topics tackled.
Hussein affirmed that the developments in Syria have a clear impact on Baghdad, given the geographical proximity between both countries.
The FM stressed the importance of working to find an effective solution to Syria’s decade-long crisis in cooperation with relevant parties.
President Barham Salih stressed during talks with Aboul Gheit the need to support dialogue to resolve various regional issues and have joint Arab cooperation to establish security and peace in the region.
According to a presidential statement, discussions at al-Salam Palace tackled political and security developments and current challenges in Iraq and the region.
Salih and Aboul Gheit also discussed the health challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic and the solidarity required to face them, the statement said.
It quoted Salih as highlighting his country’s efforts to reduce tension in the region and adopting joint Arab cooperation to establish regional security and peace as an integral part of Iraq’s security and stability.
He also affirmed Baghdad’s willingness to bolster economic and trade cooperation and support investment and development opportunities.
Aboul Gheit spoke of the League’s attempts to enhance Arab cooperation and establish security and stability, the statement said.
He confirmed AL’s support to the Iraqi government’s efforts in combating terrorism, enhancing the country’s security and stability and protecting its sovereignty.
