Tensions between the Sunni Muslim-ruled states of the Gulf and Iraq, which has a Shi'ite majority, have eased since Prime Minister Haider Abadi took office last year.
A rapprochement could help strengthen a regional alliance against Islamic State militants who have seized vast areas in both Iraq and neighboring Syria.
Saudi Arabia also signaled its intention to reopen an Embassy in Baghdad earlier this year and has invited Abadi to visit the Kingdom.
Some Gulf States have viewed Iraq as being too close to their main regional rival, Shi'ite power Iran.
Abadi's predecessor, Nouri al-Maliki, had accused both Qatar and Saudi Arabia of funding Islamic State (ISIS) insurgents.
During his visit to Iraq, Qatar’s Foreign Minister Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah met with Iraqi President Dr. Fuad Masum (photo). He also met with Iraqi Vice President Iyad Alawi, as well as the Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament Dr. Salim Al Jabouri, Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported.
The meetings reviewed bilateral relations between the two fraternal countries and ways of boosting and enhancing them, in addition to a set of issues of mutual interest. (QNA)
Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah stressed on Qatar's commitment to ending violence in Iraq while maintaining the country's unity.
He added that his visit reflected the State of Qatar's keenness on the security and unity of Iraq. His Excellency then expressed Qatar's confidence in the Iraqi authorities' ability to end the violence taking over the country.
His Excellency added that Qatar asked the authorities in Iraq to forget their different ethnicities and work together to unite all Iraqis and end terrorism.
On terrorism, Al-Attiyah said that the international community was facing it everywhere and as a result everyone must work on exterminating it from its roots, adding that Qatar believes national reconciliation would lead to a qualitative leap in facing terrorism. He then noted that not having a real national reconciliation in Iraq could have grave consequences on the country. He stressed Iraq’s position which condemns terrorism in all its forms.
Source: Reuters; QNA
