Iraq Backs Stabilizing Efforts in Region Amid Iran-US Standoff

EghtesadOnline: Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi on Saturday said Iraq supports any efforts aimed at stabilizing the Middle East amid rising tensions between Iran and the United States.

News ID: ۷۴۷۵۲۴

11 June 2019

Abdul Mahdi's remarks came during his meeting with the visiting German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas and his delegation in Baghdad, where the two sides discussed bilateral ties and regional tensions, Abdul Mahdi's media office said in a statement, Xinhua reported.

"We support any effort serving the stability of the region and the world, and we are working with EU countries in this regard. We have been sending delegations and messages to Tehran, Washington and Europe for this purpose," Financial Tribune quoted the Iraqi premier as saying.

Maas expressed his country's deep concern over the regional situation and Germany's great interest in its stability, underscoring the importance of his visit to Tehran in the coming days for discussions on this issue, according to the statement.

“We want to assure the Iranian officials about Germany and Europe's commitment to the nuclear agreement and that Europe has developed a plan on easing sanctions and financial transactions with Iran,” he said, adding that "he will confirm to the Iranians the importance of maintaining the nuclear deal".

Earlier in the day, Maas arrived in Baghdad on an official visit to meet top Iraqi officials to discuss bilateral relations and regional issues.

Maas also met earlier with Iraqi President Barham Salih and discussed bilateral relations and regional developments.

A statement by the presidency's media office said Salih stressed "Iraq's keen desire to coordinate with European countries about the developments on both regional and international arenas."

Maas's visit is part of his tour to the Middle East seeking ways to ease tensions between Iran and the United States.