Saturday, May 7 2005 18:12 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Welcoming the formation of a new transitional Government in Iraq, India today (May 7, 2005) offered its assistance for reconstruction of the war-ravaged country and cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, in a message of congratulations to his Iraqi counterpart Ibrahim Al Jaafari, said that India would like to further strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two countries and peoples.

Singh wished the Iraqi people success in their efforts towards building a peaceful, stable and prosperous Iraq.

"In keeping with India's long tradition of close political, economic and cultural ties with Iraq, Prime Minister conveyed that India values and would like to further strengthen the bonds of friendship between two countries and peoples, and would be happy to assist in the reconstruction of Iraq and cooperation in areas of mutual interest," the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement in New Delhi.