Salih urges Australian firms to contribute to Iraq reconstruction

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraqi President Barham Salih has called on the Australian firms to contribute to the reconstruction of liberated areas and rehabilitation of infrastructure in Iraq.

Salih made the remarks Tuesday during a meeting with Governor-General of Australia Peter Cosgrove at al-Salam Palace in Baghdad, Almaalomah website quoted the Iraqi Presidency as saying in a statement.

During the meeting, the president stressed “deeply-rooted relations between Iraq and Australia and called for activating signed agreements between the two countries in a manner that serves interests of the Iraqi and Australian peoples.”

Salih further praised the humanitarian role played by Australia in support of the displaced people in Iraq, pressing for widening the scope of cooperation in the educational and agricultural fields.

He also voiced Iraq’s desire that the Australian side would increase the number of scholarships offered to Iraqi students.

Cosgrove, meanwhile, has congratulated Salih on assuming Iraq’s presidency and wished him success in his duties.

Australia is determined to continue supporting Iraq at the humanitarian and military levels, he further said.

Cosgrove also praised the victories achieved by Iraqi troops over Islamic State, wishing that this triumph would restore Iraq’s security and stability.