Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement:

“Canada welcomes the formation of a new government in Iraq under the leadership of Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi. We acknowledge the efforts and compromises made by Iraqi political blocs to reach this agreement, and we call on the Iraqi parliament to confirm the cabinet as quickly as possible. We urge the government to work together for the benefit of all Iraqi people, regardless of ethnic origin or religious belief.

“Iraq is at a crossroads. A unified and inclusive government is the only way to combat external and internal drivers of violence.

“As I mentioned to the Iraqi leadership during my recent trip to Baghdad, Canada is committed to working with the government in support of the Iraqi people’s legitimate aspirations for stability, security and prosperity.”