Iraq expresses solidarity with Qatar after Ras Laffan explosion

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Foreign Ministry said Monday that the government stands in solidarity with Qatar following an explosion at the Ras Laffan industrial area. In a written statement, the ministry offered condolences to those killed and wished a speedy recovery to the injured, saying Baghdad shares the grief of the Qatari government and people over the civilian losses and infrastructure damage reported from the site. The ministry said such incidents pose a threat to regional security and stability, and stressed the importance of coordination between countries. It did not assign blame or identify a cause for the blast. Baghdad also said diplomatic contacts between the two sides will continue and that it is closely monitoring developments. The statement added that Iraq-Qatar relations are strengthening on the basis of mutual respect and shared interests.