Iraq, Qatar discuss investments plan, reconstruction efforts

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Speaker of Iraqi Parliament Mohammed al Halbousi has called on Qatar to contribute to reconstructing areas recently liberated from Islamic State in Iraq and activating joint investment protocols.

Halbousi made the remarks Wednesday during a meeting with Qatari Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, the media office of the parliament speaker said in a statement, a copy of which was received by Almaalomah news website.

The meeting tackled means of boosting relations between the two countries in all fields, as well as discussing the latest developments in Iraq and the region.

Halbousi stressed Iraq’s keenness on boosting and developing economic, trade and investment ties with Qatar, and its desire to maintain balanced relations with the other countries based on respect for the sovereignty of other states and non-interference in their affairs.

The top Iraqi lawmaker also urged Qatar to take part in the reconstruction of Iraq and activate investment agreements signed by the two countries, saying that the Iraqi parliament is ready to provide all possible facilities to attract new investments into the country.

“Iraq has played a major role in defeating the criminal gangs of Daesh [Islamic State] on behalf of the world through the sacrifices made by its security forces,” Halbousi said.

The Qatari foreign minister, meanwhile, expressed his country’s desire to promote all aspects of cooperation with Iraq and strengthen historical friendship with the Iraqi government and people.