Iraq is determined to continue building – MP

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: The Iraqi Premier Nouri al-Maliki on Monday said that Iraq wants to develop its relations with Britain and to establish a real partnership, according to a release issued by al-Maliki’s office. While receiving the British Business Secretary Lord Mandelson, the Iraqi prime minister showed determination to continue the rebuilding process in Iraq, despite the global financial crisis and the reduction in oil prices. “Iraq wants to benefit from the experiences that British firms have,” the release that was receive by IraqiNews.com news agency quoted al-Maliki as saying. “We welcome British companies and their work in Iraq,” he said. “British companies have a good reputation in Iraq,” he added. “We hope that these companies will participate in all sectors in Iraq, after the national unity government has provided a suitable, safe, and legal environment in this regard,” he noted. Earlier, Lord Mandelson said that British business and expertise can play an important role in the development of the Iraqi economy, according to the BBC. Lord Mandelson is leading the first British business delegation to Iraq in over 20 years. Representatives from 23 companies are accompanying the business secretary on a one-day trip to Baghdad and Basra. The group will meet Iraqi government ministers to discuss how they can contribute to the economic reconstruction of the country. The visit coincided with a series of car bombings in the Iraqi capital, which killed more than 30 people. Lord Mandelson stressed that the reconstruction of Iraq continued to be a good business opportunity. Business leaders from the healthcare, construction, oil and gas and banking sectors are among those on the trip. MH (S)/SR 1