Baghdad, September 9, SPA -- Iraqi Vice President Tariq Al Hashimi received here today UAE Ambassador to Iraq Abdullah Ibrahim Al Shehi. The Iraqi official described the UAE move to open its mission in Baghdad as a show of interest by GCC countries to bolster cooperation with Iraq. Iraq, he added, is more than ready to play a pivotal role within the GCC framework. For his part, the UAE Ambassador described his country's move to reopen its embassy in Iraq as a turning point in the history of the UAE-Iraqi relations. "It was a brave move that would restore Iraqi-Arab relations. This decision also underscores the keenness of President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to reinforce the stability and security of Iraq", said Al Shehi. UAE Foreign Affairs Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited Baghdad in June this year, thus becoming the first GCC official, to do so since 2003. On July 6th, the UAE announced the appointment of an ambassador to Iraq, the first since 1990.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/588971