The President of the Republic and his Emirati Counterpart Discuss Regional Developments and Challenges Facing the Region

Baghdad /NINA/ -President of the Republic Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid discussed with his Emirati counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, developments in the regional situation and the challenges facing the region.

A presidential statement stated: "The President of the Republic met, today, Wednesday, at Al-Shati Palace in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates."

At the beginning of the meeting, the President of the Republic appreciated the position of the United Arab Emirates, government and people, in supporting Iraq and its people since the change of the regime."

During the meeting, according to the statement, ways to enhance bilateral relations and expand the horizons of joint cooperation in areas that achieve mutual interests in the two brotherly countries were discussed.

The two sides also discussed developments in the regional situation and the challenges facing the region, stressing the importance of enhancing mutual coordination, supporting efforts aimed at consolidating security and stability, and coordinating positions at the regional and international levels.

The President of the Republic affirmed, according to the statement, Iraq's firm position on the Palestinian issue and its support for the right of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state, noting: "The Palestinian issue is a humanitarian issue before being an Islamic or Arab issue."

Rashid also stressed the right of the brotherly Syrian people to self-determination through a government that includes all components and expresses the aspirations of the Syrian people, explaining: "Iraq rejects any foreign interference in Syrian affairs." The President of the Republic arrived in the United Arab Emirates this afternoon on a short official visit./End