(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) KUWAIT, Nov 11 (KUNA) -- The Iraqi President Barham Saleh expressed hopes Sunday that his new government would be able to liveup to expectation and achieve various citizens aspiration and stressed at the same time that things are improving steadily, promising a better future.
During a press conference to Kuwaiti press chiefs, marking the occasion of his visit to Kuwait, Saleh said, "our situation in Iraq is developing for the better and is giving hope.
There is a state of expectation among citizens to achieve real progress.
This increases the burden of the new government, which must be at the discretion of its citizens." He also stressed the importance of internal reform and the completion of a modern and safe state considering that "that is achieved by a strong Iraqi administration and with the support of allies in the region." Adding, "Choosing Kuwait as the first destination in our tour is a message showing the importance of Kuwait in the heart of the Iraqis and a great moral and political consideration for us. Moreover, we count a lot on His Highness the Amir of Kuwait and the leadership and people of Kuwait." On the impacts of the Iraq Reconstruction Forum that was held in Kuwait on the formulation of Iraqi foreign policy and foreign politics, Salih expressed thanks to Kuwait for organizing this forum assuring Iraq's keenness to continue monitoring the results to turn them into actual achievements.
He added that the forum was successful and came out with international commitments to support Iraq, which is looking to strengthen its relations with the Arab world especially with the GCC for considerations to improve its economic, security, and political status.
Iraq's Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi attaches great importance on this topic in order to achieve economic integrations that are important for the nations in the region, added Salih.
He pointed to the discussion he had with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Sunday, which revolved around establishing railways between the two countries and developing joint industrial, commercial and economic cities to facilitate visits and movement of capital between citizens of both countries.
Iraq looks to be a significant player in reorganizing the region and find a stable security system based on the historical affinity and joint economic interests.
On future economic relations with Iran after recent sanctions by the US, Salih said, "Iran is an important neighbor for Iraq, as we are linked historically, culturally, and through society. Our relations were not easy in the past, and we have a big challenge ahead of us to overcome the past and launch towards a new phase." Salih also pointed to Iraq and Kuwait's keenness to terminate the case between them that was committed by the former Saddam Hussein regime, saying, "my hope is that our brother in Kuwait will move forward to a new phase as His Highness the Amir wishes, away from political debates as there are bigger and more important cases ahead." On relation with Saudi Arabia, he said, "we attach importance to our relationship with Saudi Arabia and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdulaziz spoke to me by telephone after I was elected President, where he assured us the keenness of the Kingdom on bilateral relations with Iraq." He added that Iraq and Saudi Arabia are linked in well-known ties and major interest in the region, expressing hope for the ability of both countries to transfer the joint efforts into an actual program that would restore stability in the area.
With respect to some of the urban projects implemented by Kuwait near the common borders, Salih said that Iraq also has projects planned in Basra and in the near future even in the GCC. (end) am.aq
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