Prominent Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Ali al-Sistani called for expanding Iran-Iraq relations in a historic meeting with president Hassan Rouhani.

Iran Press/Middle East: Iraq hopes to “enhance relations with its neighbors on the basis of respecting the sovereignty of others,” Iraq’s top Shi’ite cleric told Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday.

“The most important challenges facing Iraq are fighting corruption, improving services and keeping weapons in the hands of the state and its security services,” he added according to Iran Press citing a statement from the cleric’s website. 

Grand Ayatollah Sistani also expressed the necessity for balanced and moderate regional and international policies in this region to avoid further tragedies and damage.

The Iranian president for his part, detailed the outcome of his three-day state visit to Iraq.

Rouhani and Sistani also discussed the war against ISIS and the positive role that Iran has played in defeating the terrorist group.

The meeting came on the third day of a visit by Rouhani to Iraq, was the first meeting between an Iranian president and the 88-year-old Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani.

The reserved cleric rarely meets with officials or dignitaries. 101/211

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Iranian President Meets Grand Ayatollah Sistani in Iraq