Al-Maliki stresses Iraq's keenness to strengthen its relations with Turkey

Baghdad-INA  
The head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, confirmed Iraq's keenness to strengthen its relations with Turkey.
 
 
The media office of the head of the State of Law coalition stated, in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), that "the head of the State of Law coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, received in his office this evening, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and his accompanying delegation, and at the beginning of the meeting, the two sides reviewed issues of common concern, as well on developments in the political and security situation in the regional and international arenas.
Al-Maliki confirmed, according to the statement, Iraq's keenness to strengthen its relations with the Republic of Turkey in various fields, "noting that" what was agreed upon between government officials and the guest delegation is based on an agreement within the state administration coalition and the coordination framework, and we support Relations and strengthening it with neighboring countries, especially with Turkey.
The two sides agreed on the importance of continuing dialogues and exchanging visits between officials of both countries, in order to build a major strategic alliance in various fields, especially investment, economy, energy, and cooperation in combating terrorism.
Al-Maliki continued: "We cherish our relations with Turkey, and we have made good strides in the field of bilateral relations, and this prompts cooperation, understanding and consensus on important and common files, calling for an increase in water releases from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers," noting that "Iraq suffers from a critical shortage of water with started using modern methods to rationalize water consumption, and relied on groundwater to irrigate crops.
For his part, the Turkish minister conveyed to Nouri al-Maliki the greetings of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, expressing Turkey's readiness to support Iraq in various fields, stressing the seriousness and keenness to solve the outstanding problems between the two countries.