Iran Press/Middle East:????? President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Hassan Rouhani emphasized that Iran and Iraq have important roles in the region, alongside other countries such as Turkey.
President Rouhani meets former PM Haider al-Abadi
Speaking with the former prime minister of Iraq Haider al-Abadi on Tuesday, President Rouhani said: "We should attempt to promote multilateral cooperation among the countries of the region in different fields such as transportation, railways and combatting terrorism."
Rouhani added: "Fortunately, relations between the people and different governments of Iran and Iraq have always had a positive trend and the authorities of the two countries have followed the path of further development of these relations well."
Former Prime Minister of Iraq Haider al-Abadi described the visit of the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Iraq as very important and said: "The two countries have enjoyed much closer relations and cooperation in recent years, especially as far as fighting terrorism in the region is concerned."
"Today, we should attempt to further cement these relations in different fields such as the economy, culture, and trade," he said.
President Rouhani talks to former PM Nouri al-Maliki
Also speaking in a meeting with the Former Prime Minister of Iraq Nouri al-Maliki president Rouhani said: "Friendly relations between the Iranian and Iraqi governments and nations have been maintained well in recent years, and are developing with the efforts of the authorities of both countries."
The President also appreciated the stances of the parliament and previous Iraqi governments for cooperation, adding: "We are determined to develop relations and cooperation with Iraq based on mutual interests."
Former Prime Minister of Iraq Nouri al-Maliki described Rouhani’s visit to Iraq as a very important and historic visit. Al-Maliki said relations between the two countries are excellent and called for further ties in different fields such as economy and commerce, trade, investment, and regional and international fields.
President Rouhani meets Leader of National Wisdom Movement of Iraq
Meeting with the Leader of National Wisdom Movement of Iraq Seyyed Ammar al-Hakim on the same day, Rouhani called for more effort to carry out responsibilities towards the two nations, adding: "Major world powers, especially the US have always sought to hatch plots against the peoples of the region, however, the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to continue its role in resolving regional problems and promoting interaction among countries."
For his part, the leader of National Wisdom Movement of Iraq Seyyed Ammar al-Hakim said in the meeting that Iraq has been able to overcome great challenges and get on the track of reconstruction and development, for which, stronger relations with Iran can be effective.
President Rouhani meets Iraq’s National Security Council Advisor
President Rouhani also in a meeting with Advisor of the National Security Council and Chairman of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) of Iraq Falih Alfayyadh, stated: "Fighting terrorists in Iraq has been achieved through the Iraqi people’s self-sacrifice and is a great honour for Muslims and the World of Islam."
The President went on to refer to millions of Iranian pilgrims visiting Iraq, describing the pilgrimages as the best symbol of great respect for the progeny of the Holy Prophet and expressed hope that the two countries’ goals would be achieved.
For his part, Advisor of the National Security Council and Chairman of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) of Iraq Falih Alfayyadh said: "Deepening cultural, scientific and social cooperation between the two countries means closer relations." 208/211/104
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