Iran Press/Middle East: In a phone talk late on Thursday, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and his Iraqi counterpart Mohammad Ali Hakim discussed two neighbors' mutual relations, the importance of expanding cooperation and the latest regional events.
According to an official statement by the Iraqi foreign ministry, the two top diplomats also talked about strengthening bilateral relations, Iran Press reported.
Also, President Rouhani received Speaker of Council of Representatives of Iraq Mohammed al-Halbousi on 6 March.
President Rouhani said: "The presence of Iraqi officials in Iran, and especially the close parliamentary relations are very good opportunities for further development of relations."
Related news:
Tehran ready to deepen ties with Baghdad in all fields: Rouhani
On the same day, speaking at a joint press conference with Iranian parliament speaker Ali Larijani in Tehran on Wednesday, Mohammed Al-Halbousi condemned sanctions against other nations, particularly the unilateral sanctions imposed on the Iranian nation, which he said violate international norms.
The visiting speaker also said he has made it clear for his Iranian counterpart that Iraq will never allow its territories to be used for military action against neighboring countries.
Related news:
Iraq won’t allow anyone to use its soil against Iran
Earlier on March 2, Zarif and Hakim had another telephone conversation. According to Iraqi foreign ministry, the two foreign ministers discussed the latest regional and international developments.
Related news:
Iran, Iraq FMs discuss issues of bilateral importance over phone
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and his Iraqi counterpart Mohammad Ali Hakim
The statement added that the two also traded views on the ties between Baghdad and Tehran and the willingness of both countries to boost bilateral relations.
President Rouhani is set to pay an official visit to Iraq on 11 March in order to boost bilateral ties between the two neighbors amid US sanctions against the Islamic Republic.
A high-ranking delegation is set to accompany the Iranian president.
Zarif and his deputy Seyyed Abbas Araqchi, as well as Oil Minister Bijan Zangeneh and Central Bank Governor Abdolnasser Hemmati, have all - in their recent trips to Iraq - made preparations for Rouhani's upcoming visit.
It will be president Rouhani’s first visit to Iraq. 205/211/103
Read more:
Iraq won’t allow anyone to use its soil against Iran
Iran and Iraq to enhance bilateral relations
