PM lauds Australian forces’ role, urges similar efforts in reconstruction

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said that the Australian forces had an important role in maintaining security and stability in Iraq, calling on Australia to play a similar role in reconstruction operations, according to a statement of the council of ministers. “This came during al-Maliki’s meeting with the members of the Iraqi-Australian friendship committee at the Australian parliament on Thursday (Mar. 12),” said the statement received by IraqiNews.com news agency. The statement quoted the premier as saying that “relations between the Iraqi and Australian government witness significant development and we hope to boost it on the parliamentary level.” He lauded the role played by the Australian forces in maintaining Iraq’s security and stability, expressing hope that the country would play the same role in reconstruction operations. “The door still open for the Australian companies to invest and work in Iraq,” he said. Al-Maliki had met with several Australian officials during his visit to the country. SH (P) 1