The international community concluded on Thursday a conference on Iraq with a declaration that hailed progress in the country five years after the US-led invasion in 2003.

"While noting continuing political, security and humanitarian challenges facing Iraq, the participants of the Stockholm conference recognized the important efforts made by the (Iraqi) government to improve security and public order and combat terrorism and sectarian violence across Iraq," reads the declaration.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki (L) speaks at a news conference with Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt (C) and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon after the first annual review of the International Compact with Iraq in Stockholm May 29, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) 

The conference was held to evaluate the situation in Iraq one year after the launch of the International Compact with Iraq, under which Iraq promised reforms in exchange for greater international support.