The President of the Republic, Mr. Nikos Christodoulidis, welcomed today, at the Presidential Palace, the President of Iraq, Dr. Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid, who is making an official visit to Cyprus.
During the official welcoming ceremony, a military commander gave honors, while the national anthems of the two countries were played, and then the President of Iraq placed a wreath on the statue of the Ethnoarch Makarios III.
This was followed by a private meeting between the two Presidents, during which the President of the Republic, welcoming his Iraqi counterpart, said, among other things, that "This is a historic visit, since it is the first that the President of Iraq has made in Cyprus".
He added that during the talks they will have with their delegations, issues related to bilateral relations will be discussed, such as the economy, investments, security, counter-terrorism, as well as issues related to the cooperation of the two countries in international forums.
He pointed out that, as the European Union (EU) member state in the region, Cyprus is in favor of strengthening EU relations with Iraq, also noting, addressing the President of Iraq, that "Your visit to Cyprus sends the message of your dedication to strengthening the cooperation of our two countries".
For his part, the President of Iraq said, among other things, that Iraq is in a very good situation, enjoying security and stability and strengthening its relations with other countries, adding that it is linked with Cyprus by a common culture and common interests.
Finally, the President of Iraq extended an invitation to President Christodoulidis to visit Baghdad, an invitation which was accepted.