Solberg visiting Iraq

Prime Minister Erna SolbergPrime Minister Erna Solberg.Photo: Lise Åserud / NTB scanpix

Prime Minister Erna Solberg (H) arrived on Monday in Iraq, where she will meet the Iraqi authorities and Norwegian forces.

The visit to Baghdad is taking place just weeks after 110 people lost their lives in violent demonstrations in the country.

The visit was kept secret until Monday for security reasons. Solberg says that the security situation in the country is demanding, but that she is confident that the security aspect of her visit is taken care of.

“The threat level is obviously something we take into consideration, but we feel that the risk with the program I have planned is minimised so much that it is okay,” Solberg told TV 2.

Invitation
The prime minister adds that the visit is taking place at the invitation of Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi. She refutes that her visit helps to legitimise a government that has been criticised for violence against protesters.

– We want to hear how Iraq is experienceing the current developments. They are in the midst of a conflict area with challenges in their own country, and also challenges in neighboring Syria, where Turkey has now entered the conflict, says Solberg.

The prime minister adds that she is also looking forward to meeting the Norwegian forces in the Anbar province.

© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today

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