Talabani says Iraq to boost relations with rest of the world

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Iraqi President Jalal Talabani said that Iraq will boost relations with all countries in the world in the coming stage, asserting the importance of strengthening relations with the United States. This came during his meeting with the visiting U.S. Vice President Joe Bide. “Talabani received Biden and his companying delegation in Baghdad on Thursday, with whom he discussed ways of bolstering bilateral relations in various domains for the good of the two peoples’ interests,” said a presidential statement received by IraqiNews.com news agency. “The president explained to the American official the security developments in the country, expressing hope that the Iraqi army would be ready soon to defend the nation,” it added. Talabani told Biden “you are one of our best friends … we count on you.” “And when you leave our country, I know our relations will remain,” Talabani said. The US has said it will pull its remaining 50,000 troops out of the country by the end of the year. Biden reiterated Washington’s congratulations to Talabani on his reelection and the formation of the new Iraqi government. SH (TP) 1480