Iraq thanks Lithuanian troops

The Ambassador of Iraq to Lithuania took the time to thankLithuanian efforts in the fight against terrorism during a meeting withLithuanian Foreign Ministry officials

During the conversation with Lithuanian officials the Ambassador notedthat the fight against terrorism is not only Iraq's domestic aim, but the commongoal of all coalition partners, and Iraqi authorities are interested in earlystabilization of the situation and eager to start economic restoration of the country.

During the meeting Ambassador W. Shiltagh thanked Lithuaniansoldiers' participation in the coalition's operation "Iraqi Freedom".

"Lithuanian soldiers' service is very important not only as military,but also as political support to democratic processes in Iraq," Iraqi Ambassador to Lithuania said.

He also stressed that the Iraqi Government would welcome Lithuania's decision to prolong itsmission up to the end of 2008. This would contribute to faster stabilisation ofsituation in the Persian Gulf.

According to the Ambassador, as the security situation in Iraq is improving, businessmen of many foreigncountries are taking interest in business and investment possibilities in Iraq.Therefore, the Ambassador said, Lithuanian businessmen are welcome in Iraq,especially the ones working in agriculture, transport, trade in foodstuffs andmedicines. 

Speaking about development of bilateralLithuanian-Iraqi relations the Ambassador W. Shiltagh urged Lithuania to establish a diplomaticrepresentation in Baghdad.