Iraq visit: Malcolm Turnbull calls for reconciliation to secure lasting peace

Malcolm Turnbull has called for “genuine reconciliation” to secure lasting peace in Iraq and has personally thanked Australian defence force personnel for their efforts during his first visit to the country since becoming prime minister.

Turnbull underlined the importance of winning the “war of ideas” and easing sectarian tensions during a meeting with Iraq’s prime minister, Haider al-Abadi, in Baghdad on Saturday.

He travelled to Camp Taji, near the capital Baghdad, to meet the ADF personnel who are working alongside New Zealanders to train local security forces in the fight against Islamic State (Isis). The prime minister also visited the Australian base in the United Arab Emirates where he was briefed by the chief of the ADF, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin.

Turnbull stopped over in Iraq on the way to his first official visit to the United States, where his talks with Barack Obama are set to be dominated by coalition efforts against Isis and other security issues.

While Australia has formally declined a US request to increase its military commitment beyond its current level, Turnbull used his meetings in Iraq to emphasise the significant size of the existing involvement. He said the contribution to coalition forces on the ground in Iraq remained second only to that of the US.

The prime minister told al-Abadi Australia was “strongly committed to helpingIraq in its fight against Daesh”, another term for Isis.

“Daesh is a threat to all of us and we need to continue to work together to defeat these terrorists,” he said in remarks to the media after their meeting.

“But this war against Daesh requires, for victory, more than military means. It is also in many respects a war of ideas. I have discussed with you, prime minister, your efforts to promote national unity and reconciliation, and that is absolutely critical to countering this extremism now and for the longer term.

“You fill us with confidence that victory against Daesh in Iraq is within sight, within reach. You exude confidence, prime minister, and that is very encouraging, but the victory must be one that endures. For it to endure there must be genuine reconciliation between the various parties in Iraq.”