Foreign Minister of Belarus Vladimir Makei paid an official visit to Iraq, BelTA reports. It was the first visit of the Belarusian delegation of such a level to Iraq since 2003. Foreign Minister of Belarus met with the President of Iraq Muhammad Fuad Masum. The President of Iraq hailed the visit of the Head of the Belarusian Foreign Ministry as a signal of support for the Iraqi leadership in the fight against extremists. “Vladimir Makei condemned the actions of terrorist groups, which led to widespread casualties among the Iraqi population. The Minister confirmed Belarus’ readiness to expand all-round partnership with Iraq.
At the meetings with Acting Prime Minister of Iraq Nouri Kamil al-Maliki and Designate Prime Minister of Iraq Haider Al-Abadi Vladimir Makei focused on possible ways to enhance trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.
      Ambassador of Belarus to Iraq Andrei Savinyh comments on the prospects of our dialogue with Iraq:
      (record)
       “We would like Iraq to be a united country. And we would definitely like to see peace in Iraq. It’s hard to say when this becomes possible, but we are ready to apply efforts to restore peace in the country and help Iraq revive its economy.
        We intend further move ahead in developing bilateral contacts and economic cooperation. We will do it cautiously of course, and with regard to realities of the day. But this movement will be steady and stable.”