Iraq key partner in region – Maliki tells Kuwaiti FM

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki told Kuwaiti Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed Sabah al-Salem al-Sabah that Iraq is an important partner in the region in accordance with its new policy. “Iraq, where all the images of the past during the former regime’s time are over, can never return to the policy of wars and escapades,” Maliki said during a meeting with Sabah and his accompanying delegation. Sabah had arrived in Baghdad on Thursday morning for a visit considered the first official one by a Kuwaiti official since 1990. “We bless the Kuwaiti efforts to cement Arab ranks and we thank it for hosting an economic summit during which a day was dedicated for Gaza,” Maliki was quoted in a statement by his office as received by IraqiNews.com news agency. Sabah congratulated Maliki over the success of the recent provincial council elections that were held on January 31, 2009, adding “this is the Iraq we all betted on”. “Iraq and Kuwait have many issues and positions in common and agree on the need to enhance inter-Arab solidarity and unity,” the Kuwaiti official said. AmR (P)/SR 1