PM spreading cheer

Morrison makes surprise visit to troops based in Middle East

PRIME Minister Scott Morrison has made a secret preChristmas visit to hundreds of Australian troops deployed in the Middle East.

Mr Morrison travelled to Iraq on Wednesday to meet special forces soldiers and other Australian Defence Force personnel training the Iraqi Army to combat Islamic State.

“I understand it’s a sacrifice – I understand it’s a big thing to be away from your family at this time of year – and that’s why I’ve decided to come, just to say thank you from one Australian to another,” he told troops at the Taji Military Complex, north of Baghdad.

It was the Liberal Prime Minister’s first visit to the Middle East after taking on the top job in August.

A planned visit to Afghanistan was cancelled due to operational security reasons on advice from the Chief of the Australian Defence Force. As he broke bread with hundreds of soldiers across Iraq from before dawn until well after dark, Mr Morrison repeatedly stressed he would honour their contributions long after their active service.

He acknowledged that for many troops it would be the first Christmas away from their families and friends. Others had endured the tyranny of distance many times before.

“On behalf of my family, to you and your families, I want to say thank you very much for your service,” Mr Morrison said.

Handshakes and small talk gave way to brass bands and a bilateral meeting when Mr Morrison sat down with newly elected Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi at his palace in Baghdad.

Mr Abdul-Mahdi stressed the need for ongoing security co-operation to liberate Iraq from the Islamic State terrorist organisation and on improving economic relations to drive investment and jobs.

He described terrorism and poverty as “common enemies” of Iraq and its people.