Iraq army chief meets Chaldean Catholic Patriarch Nona in Baghdad

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq’s Chief of Staff, Gen. Abdul Emir Rashid Yarallah, met on Monday in Baghdad with Chaldean Catholic Patriarch Mar Boulos III Nona, the Defense Ministry said. The ministry said the two sides discussed national and humanitarian issues of mutual interest. Yarallah congratulated Nona on taking up his role as Chaldean Catholic Patriarch. Both men stressed the importance of peaceful coexistence among all segments of society, as well as tolerance and strengthening national unity. They also said cooperation, fraternity, stability and security should be supported. Yarallah praised the church’s role in spreading a culture of peace and love, while Nona thanked the armed forces for their work to protect the country and ensure the safety of citizens. The two sides agreed to continue communication and cooperation in the public interest.