Ambassador Sadiq Al-Rikabi meets with the Chair of the delegation for Relations with Iraq in the European Parliament

On 5/11/2019, Ambassador Sadiq Al Rikabi met at the European Parliament in Brussels with the Swedish Mep (Sara Skittdal), Chair of the delegation for Relations with Iraq in the European Parliament. During the meeting, the two sides discussed prospects of cooperation and ways in which  the delegation could contribute to the development  of bilateral relations and the implementation of mutual commitments stipulated in the Partnership and Coporation Agreement between Iraq and the European Union.

The ongoing demonstrations in Iraq, were also discussed during the meeting and Ambassador Al-Rikabi pointed out that peaceful demonstrations are a legitimate right guaranteed by the constitution and the democratic system in Iraq, and that the legislative and executive authorities in Iraq are working to meet the demands of the demonstrators. The Ambassador also expressed regret over the number of casualties among the demonstrators and security forces.

Regarding the repercussions of the Turkish military intervention in northeast Syria, Ambassador Al-Rikabi pointed out the importance of cooperation of all international and regional parties to find a suitable solution to this crisis, especially since its repercussions affect not only to Iraq, but also to European countries and the rest of the world.

At the end of the meeting, Ms. Skiettedal thanked the Ambassador for the visit and stressed that she would make sure  to enhance  the work of the Delegation because Iraq represents a new democratic process in the Middle East region which needs the support of all parties , and stated  that she will be heading a European parliamentary delegation to visit  Iraq in the coming year in order to discuss with top Iraqi officials ways to  strengthen relations and to see the situation on the ground.