BAGHDAD, Jan 16 (NNN-QNA) – Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, discussed with Iraqi leaders, mitigating the growing tension between the United States and Iran in the Middle East.
Iraqi President, Barham Salih, and visiting Al Thani, “discussed the current situation regionally and globally, as well as, examining means that would deescalate tension and preserve security and stability in the region,” said a statement by the Iraqi presidency office.
The two sides asserted the “need for self-restraint, wisdom and dialogue, to alleviate the escalated tension,” the statement said.
Al Thani also met with caretaker Prime Minister, Adel Abdul Mahdi, who reiterated Iraq’s stance, which affirms the “need to achieve calm and ease tension and to prevent any escalation, to spare the region the risk of military confrontation,” the media office of Abdul Mahdi said, in a statement.
Abdul Mahdi also stressed Iraq’s right to preserve its national security and sovereignty, prevent interference in its internal affairs, the statement said.
Meanwhile, Al Thani held a meeting with parliament Speaker, Mohammed al-Halbousi, and they discussed bilateral ties, ways to enhance cooperation, in accordance with mutual interests, as well as, means to reduce tensions in the Middle East, according to a statement issued by al-Halbousi’s office.
Al Thani’s visit to Baghdad came, after an official visit by the Emir of Qatar, a few days ago to Iran, as part of efforts to ease the escalation of tension in the region, after the killing of Qassem Soleimani.– NNN-QNA