Iraq, Iran Discuss Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Media Office, the two sides emphasized the deep-rooted historical, geographical, and religious ties between Iraq and Iran, as well as the shared values and interests that bind their peoples.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi met on Wednesday with Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of Iran’s Parliament, in Baghdad to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation between the two neighboring countries.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Media Office, the two sides emphasized the deep-rooted historical, geographical, and religious ties between Iraq and Iran, as well as the shared values and interests that bind their peoples.
The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral relations across various fields and promoting joint action in areas that serve the common interests of Iraq and Iran.
Al-Zaidi affirmed the depth of the relationship between the two countries and praised Iran’s support for Iraq, particularly its assistance during the war against ISIS.
For his part, Ghalibaf expressed his pleasure at visiting Iraq and commended the Iraqi government for its efforts to host and assist Iranian pilgrims during the Arba'in pilgrimage.
“Iran is keen to continue developing bilateral relations and expanding the horizons of cooperation in a way that achieves the common interests of the Iraqi and Iranian peoples,” Ghalibaf said.
The meeting comes amid longstanding political, economic, security, and religious ties between Baghdad and Tehran. Iran has been a major regional partner of Iraq, particularly during the campaign against ISIS, while millions of Iranian pilgrims travel to Iraq annually for religious ceremonies, especially the Arba'in pilgrimage.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian last visited Iraq on July 7, when he arrived in the country to participate in a funeral ceremony for Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. During the visit, Pezeshkian was received by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, and the two held bilateral talks.
The latest meeting between Al-Zaidi and Ghalibaf underscores the continued efforts by Baghdad and Tehran to maintain close relations and expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest.