HILLAH, Iraq, March 21 (UPI) -- The Iraqi prime minister made statements calling for a strong and unified Iraq that participates in the international community.

Nouri al-Maliki made statements at the start of a cultural celebration in Hillah, the provincial capital of Babil.

Maliki noted that Iraq "will not be isolated" from the international community, noting the country "cannot be anything but strong, unified and active in the surrounding region," Voices of Iraq reported.

"As Iraq has triumphed over terrorism; it will triumph in the international arena," he said.

Iraqis should embrace a "culture of dialogue" over the culture of militancy, Maliki said, calling for Iraqis "to show the bright picture" of Iraq.

Hillah was inaugurated as the capital of culture this week.