Al-Zaydi Announces a New Phase for Iraq During Meeting with Gulf Delegation in Baghdad

Prime Minister of Iraq Ali Falih al-Zaydi announced that Iraq is entering a new phase based on building a modern state with full sovereignty and a strong economy, and enhancing relations with the Arab, regional, and international surroundings.

He said this during his reception of the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jassim Mohammed al-Budaiwi, and the accompanying delegation, which conveyed a congratulatory message from Gulf leaders on the occasion of the government gaining the confidence of the Iraqi House of Representatives.

An Iraqi government statement quoted al-Zaydi as affirming his government's keenness to strengthen relations with Gulf countries, which he described as representing Iraq's Arab depth, stressing that the coming phase will witness the building of a modern state with full sovereignty and a strong economy. The two sides discussed Iraq's relations with the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and ways to enhance cooperation in various fields to serve common interests and support development and prosperity.

From the Gulf Cooperation Council's side, al-Budaiwi praised the reforms undertaken by the Iraqi government in areas of strengthening the economy, combating corruption, and confining weapons to the state, and building solid relations with Gulf countries. 'Al-Budaiwi affirmed the council's readiness to expand partnership with Iraq in various fields.' It is noted that the meeting comes within the framework of governmental efforts to enhance regional relations after the government gained the confidence of the Iraqi parliament.