Abadi Meets US Secretary of State

BAGHDAD, IRAQ (NINA) - Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi met today with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who arrived in Baghdad on a short visit today. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said battle against terrorism remains a priority for us and we will continue to liberate the rest of the areas and secure the border" Abadi's media office said in a statement. "Abadi met with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and his accompanying delegation and discussed bilateral cooperation in various fields, the war against terrorism and the measures of the Iraqi government to impose federal authority in the province of Kirkuk, in addition to the political and security situation " the statement said." "The fight against terrorism is a priority for us and we will continue to liberate the rest of the regions and secure the borders," Abadi said. He pointed out that what we have done in Kirkuk was the redeployment and imposition of state authority, which is legal and constitutional procedures, as we do not want to fight with any component, all of them are our sons, and we sent this message to Kirkuk that Kurdish citizens are dear Iraqis and we deal with them like the rest of the country. "The Iraqi initiative and vision for the region of five-point is based on development, security rather than differences and wars and giving hope to young people," Abadi said. On the popular mobilization forces, Haider al-Abadi said that the Popular mobilization fighters are Iraqi fighters who fought terrorism and defended their country and made sacrifices that contributed to victory over Daesh. He pointed out that the popular mobilization is an official institution within the state institutions, and the Iraqi constitution does not allow the existence of armed groups outside the state, stressing that we should encourage the fighters of the popular mobilization because they will be the hope of the country and the region. For his part, Tillerson blessed the victories achieved against Daesh, describing what the Iraqi forces did as a great work. He pointed out that Washington with the unity of Iraq and the importance of adherence to the Constitution, stressing his country's keenness to dialogue according to the Constitution and stay away from any clash. Tillerson added that strengthening security and stability is very necessary in Iraq, and expressed his hope for more cooperation in all fields, including economic activities. / End