Amedi meets Iranian ambassador, stresses dialogue and de-escalation

BAGHDAD — President Nizar Amedi met Sunday with Iran’s ambassador to Iraq, Mohammad Kazem al-Sadeq, at Baghdad Palace to discuss bilateral relations and regional security developments, in one of his first diplomatic engagements since assuming office.

Al-Sadeq congratulated Amedi on assuming his duties and wished him success. The two sides discussed ways to enhance relations “in various fields in a manner that serves mutual interests,” with Amedi stressing “the importance of continuing dialogue, de-escalating the crisis, and avoiding the risks of war” as contributions to “strengthening international security and peace.”

The meeting follows Amedi’s election by parliament last Saturday in a second round of voting, where he received 227 votes against 15 for rival Muthanna Amin. Under Article 76 of the constitution, he must task the nominee of the largest parliamentary bloc with forming a government within 15 days of taking office.