Iraqi PM wants South Korean firms to join rebuilding projects

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said Friday he wants South Korean companies to take part in a variety of projects to repair and upgrade his country's infrastructure, calling South Korea a "strategic partner." In an interview with Yonhap News Agency Friday, Maliki said "South Korea is a very important partner in terms of economy, and I regard Korea as a strategic partner," Maliki said. "I hope Korean firms join various reconstruction projects." Some reconstruction projects have been hampered by inadequate security, corruption and poor coordination among international agencies and local communities. Maliki admitted that the security situation in Iraq "still faces several challenges," but he is confident that Iraqi police and military are equipped with a "practical ability to cope with terror acts." "Ensuring security and stability in Iraq are my important goals," Maliki said, adding he hopes to complete his government's plan to secure the stability of Iraq. Iraq is the fourth-largest crude oil supplier to South Korea. Last year, Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari visited South Korea, marking the first visit by an Iraqi foreign minister since the two nations established diplomatic ties in 1989. During the visit, South Korea asked Iraq to support a stable supply of crude oil and South Korean firms' bids to participate in oil and natural gas development projects.