Jeddah, Sep 10 (IANS/WAM): Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Iyad Ameen Madani has welcomed the formation of a new inclusive Iraqi government, describing it as the beginning of a defining phase, following the installation of all constitutional institutions.

"It also opens a promising prospect for the return of harmony among all segments of the Iraqi people and lays the foundation for the return of security and stability for Iraq and prosperity for its people," the secretary general said in a statement Tuesday.

Madani praised the high spirit of responsibility displayed by the Iraqi politicians and their prioritisation of Iraq’s higher interest to arrive at an all embracing political consensus.

He expressed the hope that such consensus would help to build a secure and prosperous Iraq.

The secretary general called on the international community, in particular, Iraq’s neighbouring countries, to support the new Iraqi government to enable it to accomplish the pledges it made in the roadmap and work with it to ensure peace and security in the region and fight extremism and terrorism.