By Xinhua,
Abu Dhabi : Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki arrived here Sunday, starting a two-day visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the official Emirates News Agency reported.
Maliki, accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising ministers of interior, trade, industry and mining, was received upon arrival by UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, and a number of senior officials, the report said.
During his visit, Maliki is expected to meet with UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, local newspaper The National reported earlier.
Maliki’s visit to the UAE is a signal of the strengthening ties between the two countries, said Ismat Siddiq, the Iraqi Consul General in Dubai.
“The UAE in particular is one of the most important Arab countries to Iraq… The Emirates is playing a leading role in rebuilding Iraq, through providing monetary and material support,” Siddiq added.