Feb 10 2016

Prime Minister Dr. Haider Al-Abadi met in Rome today with Italian Prime Minister Mr. Matteo Renzi and discussed with him bilateral relations and ways of enhancing them between the two countries in economic and security fields.

The Prime Minister said we are heading for the restructuring of our economy and diversifying its sources to benefit from international expertise, expressing his thanks to Italy's position in support of Iraqi forces in the fight against Daesh and cooperation with intelligence to counter the common threat posed by terrorism, as well as training of Iraqi police and preparing them to carry out their duties in maintaining security in the liberated cities in particular.

On the Mosul Dam the Prime Minister said it is important for the Iraqis and it is currently stable and we are working to reduce the water level but our national responsibility requires taking the necessary measures and precautions, and a contract for its maintenance was referred from the Council of Ministers to the specialist Italian company and we hope to secure the dam area and speed up the maintenance work.

The PM added that the Iraqis are gaining impressive victories against Daesh and that there are no foreign ground combat forces combat in Iraq and that we started moving our troops to liberate Mosul and in collaboration with its people.

Dr. Haider Al-Abadi called for a political solution to the Syrian crisis and not to send ground troops to it because it will lead to a dangerous escalation of the crisis.

For his part the Italian Prime Minister pledged his country stands with Iraq, praising the victories of the Iraqi forces and the Iraqi government's efforts, and Italy's commitment to promote cooperation in economic, security and cultural fields and development projects, and called on major industrialised nations to help Iraq and support it in restoration its status and economic strength, expressing his admiration for the plans of the Iraqi government in restoring and stabilising areas.

Prime Minister's Media Office

10 February 2016