Iraq Assistance

The EU said it commended the Iraqi government for the "ambitious commitments it has made" in the so-called "International Compact," launched at the meeting of top officials from more than 50 countries.

"Progress towards these targets will help to further enhance the EU's engagement with Iraq," the EU, whose presidency is currently held by Germany, said in a written statement.

It continued: "Our main objective is to help Iraq implement the ambitious program set out in the compact and ensure that all Iraqis can benefit from Iraq's resources."

The bloc also noted the "responsibility of the international community, and in particular the states in the region, to support and promote these efforts."

The EU, it added, was "ready to continue to develop a close co-operation and partnership with Iraq."

Meeting not a breakthrough

The plan includes measures to give fresh impetus to Iraq's economy, improve governance and offer financial assistance, in a process key players hope will bolster reconciliation between warring communities.

"The fact that not only representatives from Iraq but also from neighboring states, representatives of the World Bank and the United Nations and the European Union have come together is a first step to get the parties involved in talks," said German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said.

"It is certainly still not a breakthrough," Steinmeier added. "We cannot say that things will improve because of a meeting, but a meeting could be the beginning."