BAGHDAD, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani on Monday inaugurated the renowned al-Nuri Mosque and its al-Hadba minaret in the northern city of Mosul after their reconstruction.
Al-Sudani said the terrorist attack that destroyed the al-Hadba minaret is an attempt to kill the spirit of Mosul and sever its connection to its glorious history, according to a statement by his media office.
The reconstruction of al-Nuri Mosque and its minaret will remain a landmark, demonstrating the heroism of the Iraqi people, their defense of their land, and their ability to rebuild everything destroyed, he added.
"This achievement would not have been possible without the genuine determination of the people and Government of Iraq, the generous support of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the tireless efforts of UNESCO under the umbrella of the 'Revive the Spirit of Mosul' initiative," said Mohamed Al Hassan, special representative of the UN Secretary-General for Iraq and head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq.
Through the reopening of the mosque, Mosul is "declaring to the world the triumph of the will to live over the culture of death, and the victory of hope over despair," Al Hassan added.
The terrorist group Islamic State blew up the al-Nuri Mosque and its iconic leaning minaret on June 21, 2017, with deliberately placed bombs.
In 2018, Iraq, the UAE, and UNESCO signed a partnership agreement to utilize 50.4 million U.S. dollars offered by the UAE to rebuild the mosque and its minaret.
