BAGHDAD, April 20 (Xinhua) -- Iraq's parliament holds a conference for neighboring countries in Baghdad on Saturday to discuss security and economic issues.
Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi said in his opening speech that "the Iraqi people have suffered a great deal from the bitterness of wars."
"Now, Iraq is regaining its position among other countries in the region. We thank all of our partners and friends who have stood with us in the difficult circumstances," Halbousi told the conference.
Halbousi confirmed that the geographic, social and religious factors are linking Iraq and its neighbors, and Iraq is keen to boost its ties with neighboring countries in a way that keeps balanced relations.
The seven-state conference included Iraq, Turkey, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Syria.
Earlier in the day, Shakir Hamed, spokesman of Halbousi, told reporters that the main points to be discussed during the Baghdad conference "are security, defense, economy and investment, as well as issues that will support the stability and development of Iraq."
"The meeting is consultative, and is aimed at ensuring the support of these countries for the stability and development of Iraq, which achieved victory over terrorism," Hamed said.
