Iraqi PM Stresses Interest in Further Expansion of Ties with Iran

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi in a meeting with outgoing Iranian Ambassador to Baghdad Iraj Masjedi underlined his country’s willingness to further develop relations and cooperation with Tehran, specially in economic and political areas.

 Masjedi met with al-Kadhimi at the end of his diplomatic mission in Iraqi capital of Baghdad on Wednesday.

During the meeting, Iraqi Prime Minister said that his country is determined to play its political role as a supporter of peace efforts and consolidation of stability in the region which will reflect on security and well-being of people of the region.

Masjedi, for his part, also underscored Tehran's interest in strengthening and cementing friendly relations and cooperation with Baghdad and bilateral cooperation based on the aspirations of the two friendly countries.

Masjedi had also on Monday met and held talks with Iraqi President Barham Salih at the Peace Palace in Baghdad to mark the end of his diplomatic mission in Iraq.

Mohammad Kazzem Al-e Sadegh replaced Masjedi as Iran’s new ambassador to Iraq.

Iranian President Seyed Ebrahim Rayeesi said in September that Tehran and Baghdad can further broaden and deepen relations despite the opposition of their enemies.

“I hope that relations between the two countries will improve day by day, and despite the will of the enemies of the two countries, we will always see good relations between Iran and Iraq,” Rayeesi said in a press conference with al-Kadhimi in Tehran.

"We are very pleased with the presence of the high-ranking delegation of the friendly and brotherly country of Iraq in our country and thank God, the relations between the two countries in the political, economic and cultural fields are very good, but they can be further developed," he added. 

Rayeesi also noted that the two sides emphasized the will to develop Iran-Iraq relations during the meeting.

Stating that the role of the two countries in the region, the world and international relations can affect Iran-Iraq relations, the President said, "What was discussed in the specialized meetings between the honorable ministers, as well as in the meeting between me and the Prime Minister of Iraq is all for the development of relations. Some decisions were made in these meetings which we hope will be implemented soon."