Baghdad: National Security Advisor Qasim al-Aboudi affirmed on Sunday that the Iraqi government is working to end the foreign presence and ensure that weapons are solely in the hands of the state.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the National Security Advisor’s media office stated in a press release that Al-Aboudi met with the Romanian Ambassador to Iraq, Radu Octavian Dobre. The meeting addressed ways to strengthen bilateral relations between the two friendly countries and continue joint cooperation in various fields.

Al-Aboudi affirmed, according to the statement, that Iraq pursues a balanced policy in its relations with various countries of the world, based on the principle of shared interests and mutual respect. He pointed out that the Iraqi government, headed by Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zubaidi, is working to end the foreign presence in Iraq and to monopolize the use of force by the state. This approach aims to contribute to the consolidation of security and stability, create a suitable environment for attracting foreign companies and investments, and support the development process and improve the economic and service sectors.

For his part, the Romanian ambassador, according to the statement, affirmed his country’s keenness to strengthen relations with Iraq and expand areas of cooperation between the two countries. This includes a focus on the security field, through developing mechanisms for exchanging information and expertise, and enhancing joint cooperation in the fight against terrorism.