Leader’s Advisor Emphasizes Strong Iran-Iraq Ties

Barzani Stresses Kurdistan’s 

Commitment to Positive Relations With 

Iran

TEHRAN – Ali Akbar Velayati, the Leader’s advisor on international affairs, on Saturday described the high turnout and unprecedented political awareness of Iraqi voters in the recent parliamentary elections as a historic achievement, reflecting the growth and maturity of the Iraqi people.

Speaking here during a meeting with Seyyed Mohsen Hakim, senior advisor to Seyyed Ammar Hakim and vice president of Iraq’s National Wisdom Movement, Velayati also praised the long-standing and deep-rooted relations between Iran and Iraq, saying they remain strong and are expected to provide hope to the wider Islamic world.
Hakim briefed Velayati on the post-election situation in Iraq, noting that the historic voter participation, despite alleged schemes by adversaries, marked a major achievement for the country. He also thanked Velayati for his congratulatory message on the elections, calling it “very significant.”
The Independent High Electoral Commission of Iraq announced the final results of the country’s sixth parliamentary elections on Monday, November 16. According to the results, Shia parties secured 187 seats, Sunni parties 76 seats, and Kurdish parties 56 seats, forming the main composition of the new parliament.
Following the announcement, the Coordination Framework, the main Shia parliamentary bloc, held a meeting with all its members in Baghdad and declared itself the largest faction in the new parliament. 
Separately, Iraqi Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani said on Saturday that Erbil has never supported any party against Iran and stressed that maintaining positive relations with Tehran is a key principle of the region’s foreign policy.
Speaking at the annual Middle East Peace and Security Conference (MEPS) at the American University of Kurdistan, Barzani noted that following last year’s visit and meetings with Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and other Iranian officials, both sides have achieved a mutual understanding that continues to guide relations today.
“Iran is an important neighbor for us, and the Kurdistan Region always seeks to maintain positive, problem-free relations with Iran,” he said, citing annual trade between Iran and Kurdistan of around $11–12 billion, most of which takes place inside the region.
Barzani also thanked Iran for past support, saying the Kurdistan Region has never acted against Tehran and will continue to act as a stabilizing factor in the region.