Iraqi Foreign Minister holds press conference Monday, 21 November 2011 14:47

DOHA: Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari has underlined the importance of Qatar and the leading role it plays in the Arab and international levels.

 

Underscoring his statement, he said “states are not measured according to their size and population but by their effects on politics'', said Zebari in a press conference he held here on Monday.

 

Voicing optimism at the progress of the Qatari-Iraqi relations, Zebari described as ''very encouraging'' his talks he held earlier Sunday with HE the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani , stressing meantime the existence of “a positive trend” concerning relations between the two countries.

 

Asked about his current visit to Qatar, the Iraqi Foreign Minister said, “we have conveyed a message to the brethren in the State of Qatar for acting to revitalize bilateral relations and expressed his conviction that the beginning of next year would witness a good and positive initiative on part of the State of Qatar towards Iraq.”

 

Highlighting the common interests in areas of energy, trade, investments and culture between the two countries, Hoshyar Zebari  told reporters that Qatar would attend celebrations of the Iraqi City of Najaf as a capital of islamic culture.

 

Hinting diplomatic reciprocity, Zebari suggested Qatar open an Embassy in Iraq. Iraq has an embassy in Qatar.

 

Iraq he said has overcome its bad past despite some instability. (QNA)