ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - The Iraqi Presidency on Thursday reaffirmed its rejection of any foreign influence on domestic affairs in the country, coming in light of recent comments made by US President Donald Trump in which he threatened to end Washington's support for Baghdad should Nouri al-Maliki be elected as the next prime minister.

"Iraq's internal affairs are a purely sovereign matter, decided solely by Iraqis, based on their free will as stipulated in the Constitution and through the democratic system based on elections that truly represent the people's choices," the Presidency said in a statement.

Trump on Tuesday asserted that Washington will no longer provide assistance to Iraq if former premier and head of the State of Law Coalition Maliki becomes the next prime minister, criticizing his "insane policies and ideologies."

The US president's comments were roundly met with criticism from Maliki and his allied factions, with a demonstration taking place in Baghdad on Wednesday night protesting against the perceived violation of Iraqi sovereignty inherent in the remarks.

The Presidency said it "rejects any form of foreign interference in Iraqi political affairs," adding that "respect for national sovereignty is a fundamental pillar in building the state and consolidating political stability, particularly in the government formation process, which is based on the results of the elections held last November, which witnessed broad participation from Iraqis and the winning political forces."

"Iraq's commitment to pursuing a balanced foreign policy based on openness and positive cooperation with all countries, in a manner that strengthens relations founded on mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs, and achieves the common interests of peoples, thus contributing to supporting regional and international security and stability," the statement concluded.

Maliki’s State of Law Coalition won 29 seats in the recent elections, placing third overall. Despite the success of incumbent premier Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani's Reconstruction and Development Alliance, who came first with 46 seats in the legislature, Maliki seemed likely to emerge as the next prime minister before Trump's remarks.

An advisor to Sudani saying on Wednesday that "after Donald Trump's message, Maliki's opportunity to become Prime Minister has burned out, and Sudani's chances for a second term have become much stronger."

Sudani's alliance later in the day issued a statement stressing "the necessity of establishing positive and balanced relations with friendly and allied countries, especially the United States of America, based on mutual respect for national sovereignty, constitutional processes, and the outcomes of the democratic process."

Maliki previously served two terms as prime minister from 2006 to 2014, stepping down during his second term after major security setbacks linked to the rise of the Islamic State (ISIS), amid long-standing allegations of corruption.

His tenure also saw him draw the ire of Washington over his perceived closeness to Iran and allowing Tehran to increase its influence in the country.