Dubai: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Sunday held talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar Al Abadi on bilateral relations and ways to widen avenues of cooperation.

They discussed a number of regional and international issues that concern both countries, and ways to strengthen bilateral relations and broaden avenues of cooperation at all levels, especially in investment, economic and humanitarian spheres.

Shaikh Mohammad welcomed Al Abadi and his delegation, and reaffirmed the UAE’s stand by the Iraqi people in their efforts to rebuild their country after defeating terrorism and armed groups, which cause massive damage to Iraq’s infrastructure and economy.

He underlined the need to engage all Iraqis in building a modern country based on tolerance, rejecting sectarianism and harmony, so as to live in peace.

Shaikh Mohammad expressed his confidence in the new Iraqi government and its ability to overcome challenges and fulfil the aspirations and hopes of the Iraqi people.

The Vice President highlighted the importance of collaborative international and regional efforts to fight terrorism wherever it grows, to allow regional governments to focus on social and economic development and create education opportunities and jobs for the young people.

The talk touched on Iraq’s internal situation as Shaikh Mohammas was briefed by Al Abadi on the latest developments on the Iraqi arena and challenges facing it. They stressed the need for all Iraqis to unify their ranks in the face of terrorist groups. 

Shaikh Mohammad reaffirmed the UAE’s stand in support of the Iraqi government and people in their effort to rebuild a stable and safe Iraq.

Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Shaikh Ahmad Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Dr. Anwar Mohammad Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and other senior officials, were present.