President Raisi Hails Iraq’s Ban on Israeli Normalization

TEHRAN – Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has praised Iraq’s parliament for passing a law that criminalizes normalization of ties and any relations with the occupying regime of Israel.
In a telephone conversation with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, the Iranian president also hailed Iraqi political groups for working to form a new government.
“The passing of the law to forbid normalization of relations with the Zionist regime in the Iraqi parliament was a right move,” Raisi said.
He touched on problems caused by dust storms that affect Iranian and Iraqi cities, saying climate change is not restricted to a particular country because it transcends all borders.
“Today, tackling dust has become a common regional demand, and all countries in the region are expected to live up to their responsibilities in this regard,” President Raisi said.
The president also reiterated the need for development of transportation lines between the two countries, saying it could lead to economic growth and stability in the region
President Raisi singled out the railway line linking Iran and Iraq, saying its implementation needs to be expedited.
The president also called for facilitating the travel of Iranian pilgrims to Iraq, mentioning the approaching season of the Arbaeen procession.
For his part, Prime Minister Kadhimi thanked Raisi for praising the Iraqi parliament’s decision to ban normalization of ties with the Zionist regime.
“Palestine is not just an issue for Muslims, but for all justice-seeking people in the world, and the Iraqi government and parliament have also taken a series of decisions and actions in support of the Palestinian people,” he said.
Kadhimi said he will seriously pursue the removal of obstacles to implementation of the Basra-Shalamcheh railway.
He also touched on his meeting with the head of the Iranian Department of Environment, saying the issue of the dust problem should be dealt with in the form of a memorandum.
Regarding the Arbaeen procession, the Iraqi premier said he has urged officials to prepare a detailed plan for holding the ceremony and provide a hospitable environment for Iranian pilgrims.
The Iranian president and the Iraqi prime minister also stressed the importance of regional cooperation, describing the implementation of pacts as key to the progress and development of cooperation.