UAE FM delivers Mohamed bin Zayed's letter to Iraqi PM

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, on Wednesday, stressed that the U.A.E. under President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is keen on maintaining the best relations with Iraq in all spheres in a way that lives up to aspirations of the leaders of both countries and serves the interests of their brotherly peoples.
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah made his remarks as he handed over a letter from His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the U.A.E. Armed Forces, to Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi of Iraq.
He was welcomed upon his arrival in Baghdad by Iraqi Foreign Minister, Ibrahim al-Jafari.
During the meeting, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah conveyed to Prime Minister al-Abadi the regards of Vice President and Prime Minister of the U.A.E. and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the U.A.E. Armed Forces, as well as their best wishes for further progress for Iraq and its brotherly people.
He also underscored the bilateral relations between the two countries and the ways of enhancing and promoting them in various spheres.
On his part, Prime Minister al-Abadi requested H.H. Sheikh Abdullah to covey his regards to Their Highnesses Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
He emphasised that Iraq is keenly interested in strengthening its relations with the U.A.E. and that Iraq attaches special importance to these relations due to the U.A.E.'s unique stature and the historic relations between the two brotherly countries.
Welcoming H.H. Sheikh Abdullah and the delegation accompanying him, the Iraqi prime minister lauded the outstanding bilateral relations between the U.A.E. and Iraq and their growth and development in all spheres.
During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the bilateral relations between their two countries and ways of strengthening them and also discussed matters of mutual interest.
During the meeting, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed stressed that the U.A.E. will continue to back the political process that leads to the achievement of security, justice, equality and the political participation by all Iraqis since the security and stability of Iraq provide the foundations of security and stability in the whole region. He further stressed that the U.A.E. stands by the brotherly people of Iraq against the challenges facing their country.
"We stand by brotherly Iraq as it is making efforts for reconstruction and achievement of peace and safety and in combating the forces of terrorism which poses a danger to all the countries of the region and defaces the values of our true religion, Islam," H.H. Sheikh Abdullah said further stressing the need for consolidating the values of social justice and equality which can remove the feelings of despair and marginalisation.
Later, Prime Minister al-Abadi hosted a luncheon in honour of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed.
Iraqi Foreign Minister, Ibrahim al-Jafari, and the U.A.E. Ambassador to Iraq, Abdullah Ibrahim Al Zawi Al Shehhi attended the meeting and the luncheon.
During his meeting with H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi said that the threat of terrorism faced by Iraq and the countries of the region requires the cooperation of all brotherly counties and the concerted political and security efforts The Iraqi premier also said to Sheikh Abdullah, "Your coming to Baghdad in these critical circumstances is such a good gesture, and your visit is welcomed and appreciated, especially as Iraq faces existential threat and challenge, which also threaten all the states of the region and requires them all to cooperate in all political, social and security areas in order to defeat terrorism represented by Daesh terrorist gangs.
The Prime Minister pointed out that the Iraqi government includes all political blocs. He also highlighted that the tribes are fighting besides the Armed Forces "and we work hard to give a sign of hope to the people of Iraq and to restore normal life, step up reconstruction efforts, liberate all cities and help the displaced people return home with full dignity." On his part, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed said, "We look forward to deepening the relations between our two countries. Your success is our success, and the difficult challenges facing the region require us to cooperate at various levels." He added, "We have no choice but to support Iraq and support your government which gave great hope to the Iraqis and managed to get the support of the international community against the terrorist gang, Daesh." H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan handed the Iraqi prime minister an official invitation to visit the United Arab Emirates.