Iraqi president meets German defense minister on counter-terrorism efforts

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraqi President Barham Salih on Tuesday stressed the importance of unifying regional and international efforts to combat terrorism, reiterating the need to ease tensions in the region and to adopt constructive dialogue to end crises.

Salih made the remarks during a meeting at the As Salam Palace in Baghdad with German Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer and her accompanying delegation.

“Iraq is keen to strengthen and develop relations with the Federal Republic of Germany in all areas to serve common interests,” Salih said, appreciating the German role in the international anti-Islamic State coalition fighting in Iraq and Syria.

He also valued the support provided by Germany for Iraq in the fields of reconstruction and the return of displaced people to their homes.

Salih further called for “expanding military cooperation with the European country to strengthen capabilities of Iraqi security forces.”

For her part, the German defense minister voiced her country’s support for the stability and unity of Iraq, praising the victories achieved by the Iraqi forces against IS terrorists.

She also reiterated Germany’s keenness to expand cooperation ties with Iraq at all levels.