PM, Lithuanian FM Discuss Ways To Alleviate Suffering Of Iraqis Stranded At The EU's Borders

Baghdad / NINA / - Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi received Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis and discussed with him cooperation in various fields. Al-Kadhimi stressed during the meeting: "Iraq is looking forward to building the best relations with Lithuania in the economic and investment aspects." During the meeting, according to a statement by Al-Kadhimi's office, they reviewed the bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to enhance them, and to consolidate joint cooperation with the entire European Union in various fields. The statement indicated that "the meeting witnessed a discussion of aspects of cooperation in various fields, foremost of which is the security aspect, and in the field of combating terrorism and organized crime." Al-Kadhimi stressed Iraq's aspiration to build the best relations with Lithuania, especially in the economic and investment aspects, in light of the European Union's decision to remove Iraq from the list of high-risk countries with regard to terrorist financing and money laundering. Al-Kadhimi discussed with Landsbergis the regional and international situations, stressing Iraq's belief in the necessity of adopting dialogue and peaceful solutions to resolve conflicts, and that it is continuing in this approach. The two sides also discussed ways to alleviate the suffering of Iraqis stranded at the borders of the European Union, and to find the best ways to end it in a manner that guarantees their dignity, and takes into account international and humanitarian laws. The Lithuanian Foreign Minister conveyed the greetings of his government to Al-Kadhimi, and sent him an official invitation to visit Lithuania. He expressed his government's gratitude for "the steps taken by Iraq to address the challenge of illegal immigration," noting that it "was an example to follow in addressing such crises." He pointed out that "Lithuania aspires to raise the level of cooperation between the two countries, in various fields, and Lithuania is ready to seriously discuss mechanisms to facilitate Iraqi entry to it through joint coordination with the competent Iraqi authorities, as well as work to address the obstacles to resuming direct flights of Iraqi Airways to Europe."/ End