Turkey congratulates Iraq over 'anti-Daesh victory’

By Ercan Canbolat

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey on Sunday congratulated Iraq for its victory over Daesh terrorist group.

According to a statement issued late Sunday, Turkish Foreign Ministry extended condolences for the Iraqi citizens, who lost their lives during anti-Daesh fight.

"We are pleased that Iraq has successfully completed the fight against Daesh and we congratulate the Iraqi government," the statement said.

On Saturday, Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi announced that the war against Daesh was over and that Iraqi forces now in full control of Iraq’s border with Syria.

He said the Iraqi victory over the Daesh terrorist group has been realized with unity among Iraqis.

The Turkish Foreign Minister said there is a need to take decisive steps for reconstruction of the rescued areas, strengthening Iraqi institutions and creating national reconciliation between the Iraqi citizens.

The ministry said it was important that the work to be done in this area should be comprehensive for all parts of the Iraqi society.

Turkey would continue to work in solidarity with the Iraqi government in post-Daesh period like in the period of anti-Daesh fight, it added.

Iraqi forces have managed to recapture all territories overran by Daesh in northern and western Iraq in 2014.