Abdulmahdi meets al-Maliki on new government

BAGHDAD /Iraqi News Vice President Adel Abdulmahdi discussed with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki the current political developments and talks to form the new government, a presidential statement said on Friday. “The meeting was held on Thursday (April 1) at Abdulmahdi’s residence in Baghdad,” said the statement received by Iraqi News. “The vice president said there are continued efforts to boost Iraq’s relations with Arab and regional countries,” it added. “Iraq is a pivotal country and should be opened on all neighboring countries, including Iran, Turkey, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria and the rest of Arab countries,” the official said. SH (P) 2