Abu Dhabi crown prince meets Iraqi PM on regional issues

Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, received Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar Al-Abadi on Monday to discuss ways to enhance the bilateral relations and the latest developments in the region.
The Crown Prince, also Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, welcomed Al-Abadi and his accompanying delegation, expressing hope that their visit would contribute to further enhancement of the fraternal ties between the UAE and Iraq, WAM news agency reported.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to boost cooperation in various development, social, economic and trade domains in the service of the two fraternal countries and peoples.
The meeting also tackled issues of interest to the region such as the combat against extremism and terrorism, the support to regional stability and security, and the activation of dialogue and co-ordination in the economic, trade and industrial dossiers.
The Iraqi Prime Minister briefed Sheikh Mohammad on his government's efforts to address the political, economic and social situations in Iraq, its efforts to fight the armed groups, as well as providing aid to the displaced people in the country.
He also affirmed the support of the UAE to all efforts which would contribute to achieving security and stability in Iraq, safeguarding unity of its lands and meeting the needs of its people to reconstruct the country, as well as building its national state.
Sheikh Mohammad said: "We hope for all the good things for Iraq and Iraqis, praying to Almighty to preserve their security and stability and spread harmony, solidarity and understanding among its citizens." The Abu Dhabi Crown Prince said involving all of the Iraqi people in building the future of the country is one of the most important factors for the success of the political process, and commended the efforts being exerted to achieve the country's national aspirations, which would receive support from other Arab countries.
He wished that the new Iraqi policy would lead to an era of new hope and become a strong platform to change for the better in political, economic and social spheres. He also underscored that the situation in the region requires a comprehensive strategic vision to fight terrorism in all its forms, components and types, and wherever it is found.
Sheikh Mohammad also expressed the UAE's desire to adopt a model that depends on development and stability of the region and keeps away extremism, sectarian tendencies and violence, while at the same time creates opportunities for its citizens to help meet their aspirations, and support competitiveness at the international arena.
He also added that the region is in severe need of development, building and promoting of the national institutions and not giving a chance to those who call for sectarianism.
On his part, Iraq's Prime Minister expressed his happiness at visiting the UAE to enhance cooperation in the political and economic fields, as well as co-ordinate efforts regarding terrorist challenges. He praised the UAE's efforts in the field of supporting humanitarian works and providing assistance to the displaced people in the region.
He also lauded the Emirati initiative to transfer a number of sick and injured Iraqi civilians to receive medical treatment at its hospitals, stressing that this was a reflection of the strong bonds between the two fraternal peoples and comes as part of the country's humanitarian efforts to alleviate the suffering of Iraqis and improve their humanitarian conditions.