The President of the Republic of Iraq meets the Pope of the Vatican … stresses the importance of uniting our efforts to bring peace and stability to the region

The President of the Republic of Iraq, Dr. Barham Salih, met today, Saturday 25thJanuary 2020 at the Vatican, His Holiness, Pope Francis.

            His Excellency was welcomed by His Holiness and a number of cardinals and bishops at the Vatican headquarters.

            During the meeting, the President affirmed that the brotherhood and peaceful coexistence between Muslims, Christians and other sects is the only way to eliminate extremism in all its forms and kinds, indicating that the terrorist crimes has affected all Iraqi components, and does not belong to the tolerant teachings of the Islamic religion.

            Mr. President indicated that the solution to the crises that the region suffers from, comes through dialogue and understanding, pointing out the importance of firming efforts aiming to bring peace and stability in the region, praising the sincere determination of the Pope in urging unity and harmony among all Iraqis, and his keenness and pleas to establish security and peace, preventing further regionalor international escalations.

            Pope Francis urged the necessity of continuing to support the stability in Iraq, indicating the importance of prioritizing the language of dialogue and understanding and promoting peaceful coexistence to consolidate love, peace and moderation.

            During the meeting, arrangements for the intendedpapal visit of His Holiness to Iraq will be discussed at a later time.

            Two years ago, the Iraqi President had met His Holiness at the Vatican on 24th November 2018, while this visit comes in a very critical time for the country and region that is going through a very hard time, full of unexpected challenges.