Iraq, Kuwait discuss military ties

Iraqi Defense Minister Irfan Al-Hayali expressed wishes yesterday to bolster military cooperation with Kuwait to enhance the security and stability of the region. Iraq is keen is cooperate with Kuwait in security and military fields and to conduct joint ground military exercises between the two nations’ armies, and to create better coordination and communication, said Hayali during a meeting with a visiting Kuwaiti media delegation.
The Iraqi minister noted that his ministry is exerting tremendous efforts in all issues in relations with Kuwait, including the issue of missing Kuwaiti nationals during and after the Iraqi invasion. Hayali added that he hopes relations between the two countries become ideal and Kuwaiti citizens feel like home and among their family members when they visit Iraq. With regard to the fight against the so-called Islamic State (IS), Hayali said that the Iraqi army was successful in defeating the organization, and only sleeper cells remain active in the western part of the country.
Meanwhile, Iraqi Deputy Speaker Hamam Hamoudi expressed hope yesterday to see Kuwaiti-Iraqi cooperation as “a leading example for the whole region, especially since the two countries went through a great deal of struggles”. Hamoudi also hoped to overcome all obstacles and live in peace, praising the position of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in seeking to resolve differences and his keenness to achieve security and stability in the region.
In a meeting with the visiting Kuwaiti delegation, Hamoudi called on the delegation to increase bilateral cooperation to achieve joint economic successes, and expressed his thanks for the initiative of His Highness the Amir and his contributions to Iraq, and for hosting the upcoming Iraqi reconstruction conference.