OREANDA-NEWS First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic, who is on an official visit to the Republic of Iraq, had a meeting today with Minister of Defence Arfan al-Hayali.

Both sides underlined the traditionally friendly relations between the two countries and their peoples.

During the talks, Minister Dacic highlighted the importance of respecting the territorial integrity of the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Iraq, and of mutual support on the international level.

Defence Minister of the Republic of Iraq Arfan al-Hayali thanked his interlocutor for Serbia's support to the fight against terrorism by participation in the Global Coalition against Terrorism.

Mutual conclusion was reached that there were vast potentials for enhancing cooperation between Serbia and Iraq in many areas, and particularly in rehabilitation of infrastructure and development of agriculture and education in Iraq.

Particular emphasis was laid on the very good cooperation existing between the two Ministries of Defence and the two armed forces, as well as on the importance of Iraq for Serbia's defence industry. Minister Hayali also pointed out the significance of continuing the contacts between the two countries at all levels and, with this in mind, agreed to visit Serbia shortly.