Iraqi president says committed to protecting diplomatic missions in Iraq
Iraqi security forces stand guard outside the Bahraini embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, June 28, 2019. REUTERS/Thaier al-Sudani
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraqi President Barham Salih has assured Bahraini ambassador in Baghdad Salah al-Malki that Iraq would continue to protect premises of diplomatic missions throughout the country.
Salih made the remarks during a meeting with al-Maliki at the As Salam palace in Baghdad after the latter resumed his work in Baghdad following an attack by Iraqi protesters on the Bahraini Embassy in Baghdad last month.
Hundreds of Iraqi demonstrators stormed the Bahraini Embassy in Baghdad on Thursday, June 27, in protest at Manama’s hosting of a US-led Middle East peace conference on Palestine.
“The Iraqi state is committed to protecting the headquarters of diplomatic embassies and missions operating in Iraq, and providing a safe environment for them to carry out their duties,” Salih told al-Maliki during the meeting.
Salih further “stressed the depth of close and fraternal ties between the two countries,” his media office said in a press statement.
He also reiterated the need to develop mechanisms of joint action to meet different challenges and boost security and peace at the regional and international levels.
In turn, al-Maliki conveyed greetings of Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa to President Salih, stressing the kingdom’s support for Iraqi unity and sovereignty.
“Bahrain is keen to strengthen relations with Iraq and expand the horizons of joint cooperation,” he added.
Last month, Bahrain hosted a two-day “Peace to Prosperity” workshop to discuss the US-led economic “deal of the century” plan. Palestinian authorities rejected the proposal, which they said does not address the two-state solution, and refused to participate in the workshop.