Iraq will maintain relations with Iran, PM tells Pompeo

By Ibrahim Saleh</p> <p><br></p> <p>BAGHDAD (AA) – Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi has affirmed his country’s commitment to pursuing “balanced” regional policies, including the maintenance of good relations with neighboring Iran.</p> <p><br></p> <p>Abdul-Mahdi made the remarks in a statement released by his office on Wednesday after a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who arrived in Baghdad on Tuesday evening for an hours-long visit.</p> <p><br></p> <p>Describing the U.S. as an “important strategic partner for Iraq”, Abdul-Mahdi went on to assert that his country hoped to “maintain a policy of building bridges… with its friends and neighbors, including Iran”.</p> <p><br></p> <p>Baghdad, he said, hopes to build relations with regional and international capitals “based entirely on Iraq’s best interest”.</p> <p><br></p> <p>He added: “Iraq has returned to its basic role in the region, providing a venue for dialogue — not conflict.”</p> <p><br></p> <p>Pompeo, for his part, commended Iraq’s “efforts to promote regional security and attract foreign investment and expertise”, according to the statement issued by Abdul-Mahdi’s office.</p> <p><br></p> <p>Pompeo also hailed what he described as Baghdad’s “special relationship” with Washington.</p> <p><br></p> <p>While in the Iraqi capital, Washington’s top diplomat also met with Iraqi President Barham Salih and Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali al-Hakim, along with a number of other top officials.