DUBAI, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday pledged to continue supporting Iraq in its bid to achieve stability and economic prosperity, during a visit by Iraqi President Barham Ahmed Salih.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi and deputy supreme commander of the UAE Armed Forces, made the remarks at a meeting in Abu Dhabi with Salih, in which they discussed means of developing bilateral ties in various sectors, state-run Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.
Sheikh Mohamed welcomed the Iraqi president's visit to the UAE, which he hoped will contribute to strengthening the bilateral ties, the report said.
The two leaders reviewed areas of bilateral cooperation, and discussed the prospects of developing them in the trade and investment sectors, that will best serve the interests of the two countries and their peoples, and contribute to promoting development, stability and security in the region.
They also exchanged views on regional and international developments, as well as the challenges facing the Arab world and means to address them, the WAM reported.
Sheikh Mohamed extended his congratulations to Salih for his election win and wished him success in his new role.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining Iraq's stability, citing that it affects the stability of the region as a whole. He pledged the UAE will continue to support Iraq, to preserve its heritage and economic prosperity in the face of terrorist threats, as well as to attain overall progress and success in the Arab world.
For his part, Salih emphasized Iraq's drive to strengthen its relations with the UAE in various sectors. He wished the UAE and its people continued progress and prosperity under its visionary leadership.
The two sides also called for cooperation and concerted efforts by Arab countries and the international community "to confront the scourge of terrorism and extremism that threatens the security and stability of nations and peoples," the WAM report said.
