BAGHDAD, Dec 29: Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki flew to London on Saturday for what he said was a routine medical checkup, but an official in his office said it was treatment for exhaustion.

The official said Maliki, 57, would also undergo a series of routine checkups, including tests on his heart.

“He is suffering from mild exhaustion. He is also going to have a heart scan,” the official said.

“He should have gone to London for the checkup more than a month ago but he waited until after Eidul Azha. Now he has a good opportunity to go for the check-up.”

State television showed Maliki, who has been in office since May 2006, boarding his private plane at Baghdad international airport. He appeared healthy and walked to the plane from the terminal building.

“I am going for some routine medical checkups and I hope to return soon,” Maliki told a reporter on the tarmac.

A British Foreign Office spokesman in London said he understood Maliki was on his way to London for medical treatment. He had no further details.—Reuters