Baghdad: Nouri al-Maliki, head of the State of Law Coalition, affirmed on Wednesday Iraq’s commitment to establishing good and balanced relations with all nations, respecting their sovereignty and security, and rejecting any practices that could compromise the security of neighboring countries or harm Iraq’s regional and international relations. Al-Maliki received the United Kingdom’s Ambassador to Iraq, Irfan Siddiq, at his office today, addressing the latest political and security developments in Iraq and the region, as well as bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to strengthen them to serve mutual interests.

According to Iraqi News Agency, Al-Maliki emphasized Iraq’s keenness to maintain good and balanced relations with all countries, respecting their sovereignty and security, and rejecting any actions that might undermine the security of neighboring states or damage Iraq’s regional and international ties.

Regarding recent security updates, the head of the State of Law Coalition noted that the investigative committee formed by the Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces to probe the attack targeting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is continuing its work, pending its findings. Al-Maliki underscored that the government has begun holding negligent security commanders and officials accountable, as any party proven to be involved in the attacks will face legal accountability, regardless of who stands behind them. He stressed that addressing security issues must take place within the framework of the state and the law, preserving the state’s authority while preventing any slide into confrontation or internal conflict between the government and the factions. Maintaining internal stability is a national priority that cannot be compromised.

Al-Maliki affirmed the shared will and determination to resolve this issue and ensure that arms remain exclusively under state control, noting that achieving this goal requires dialogue, mutual understandings, and guarantees that safeguard Iraq’s security and stability. He highlighted a positive response from faction leaders to the committee formed by the Coordination Framework, indicating the need to soon reach a comprehensive, balanced vision for addressing this matter.

He indicated that resolving these issues comprehensively would pave the way for continued communication and dialogue with various parties, including friendly nations, to reach understandings that preserve Iraq’s sovereignty and national interests while bolstering its security and stability.

In turn, the British Ambassador affirmed his country’s commitment to developing relations with Iraq and supporting its security and stability. Both sides underscored the importance of continued dialogue and coordination on issues of mutual interest.