Iraq and Bahrain declare united front against terrorism

Countries reaffirm ties during visit by foreign minister Sheikh Khalid Al Khalifa to Baghdad

Iraq's prime minister Haider Al Abadi called on countries in the region to unite against terrorism during a meeting in Baghdad with the Bahraini foreign minister Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa.

Mr Al Abadi also called for an end to sectarian segregation, which he said "only serves the interests of terrorist groups".

Sheikh Khalid confirmed Bahrain's stance of supporting Iraq in its war against terrorism and congratulated Mr Al Abadi on the Iraqi forces' victory over ISIL in Mosul.

Mr Al Abadi said Iraq was keen to “enhance political, economic, trade and cultural relations" with Bahrain.

Sheikh Khalifa also met his Iraqi counterpart, Ibrahim Al Jaafari, during his visit.

The Iraqi foreign minister called on Bahrain to continue security and intelligence co-operation to prevent the spread of terrorism.

"Whoever believes that the war against terrorist groups has ended, is wrong because the war against terrorism today is a global war targeting civilians everywhere in the world,” Mr Al Jaafari said in a statement issued by the foreign ministry after the meeting.

Updated: August 13, 2017, 6:32 PM