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Iraqi PM congratulates France's new president, hopes for further anti-IS cooperation

Xinhua, May 8, 2017 Adjust font size:

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Monday sent a letter of congratulation to the French President-elect Emmanuel Macron and emphasized on strengthening cooperation in fighting against Islamic State (IS) militant group.

Abadi "wished success and prosperity for the government and the people of France," stressing on "the need to increase cooperation and strengthen relations in all areas, especially in the field of war on Daesh (IS group) and other terrorist organizations," according to a statement issued by Abadi's office.

Abadi hoped that France's support and coordination with Iraq would continue in order to eliminate the terrorist groups, the statement said.

Macron, 39, was elected on Sunday with a business-friendly vision of European integration, defeating Marine Le Pen, a far-right nationalist who threatened to take France out of the European Union.

France is the second largest contributor to the U.S.-led international coalition, which has carried out thousands of airstrikes against the IS in Iraq and Syria, in addition to providing Iraqi forces with military equipment and training.

Abadi's letter came as the Iraqi security forces backed by anti-IS international coalition are carrying out a major offensive to drive out the IS militants from their major stronghold in the western side of Mosul in northern Iraq. Endit