Iraq keen on normal ties with neighors -- Al-Abadi

BAGHDAD, Feb 2 (KUNA) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar Al-Abadi on Friday re-affirmed his government's keenness on establishing normal ties with neighboring states "without any concessions in interests or basic national principles." The prime minister, in a statement during a conference for Iraqi ambassadors, said the Iraqi Government is keen on "focusing on common grounds and interest swap with the neighboring states, instead of being engaged in disputes.
"Iraq cannot be separated from the world at communications' times." The State of Kuwait is one of Iraq's neighboring countries with a common border line stretching for 120 miles (190 kilometers).
Ties between Kuwait and Iraq had soured during era of the toppled ruler, Saddam Hussein.
However, following his regime's downfall, the relations have noticeably improved with re-establishment diplomatic relations and cooperation at various levels, in addition to generous Kuwaiti aid for people in need in the neighboring state. (end) aha.rk