UAE president congratulates new prime minister of Iraq

Mohammed Shia Al Sudani's new government faces economic, security and environmental challenges

Mohammed Shia Al Sudani’s government was sworn in on October 27. AP

President Sheikh Mohamed has congratulated Mohammed Shia Al Sudani on his taking office as Iraq’s prime minister.

Sheikh Mohamed wished the Iraqi prime minister success in his new role during a phone call on Saturday, and reiterated the UAE's support for anything that brings about peace and stability in the country and satisfies its citizens' desire for development and prosperity.

Mr Al Sudani thanked the president and wished him continuing good health, progress, and prosperity for the UAE.

Mr Al Sudani’s government was sworn in on October 27.

The Iraqi administration must deal with economic, security and environmental issues amid bitter political divisions that delayed the formation of a new government for more than a year after the 2021 general election.

During the political deadlock Iraq teetered on the verge of collapse.

The stalemate over the formation of a new government that followed October's elections was the longest in Iraq since the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.

It turned bloody when clashes broke out earlier this year between Shiite militias in Baghdad's Green Zone, the heart of government that contains the parliament and foreign embassies. Dozens of people were killed or wounded.