Iran's ambassador to Iraq has said the number of Iranian Arbaeen pilgrims visiting Iraq has increased by one million compared to last year.

Iran Press/ Middle East: Iraj Masjedi said in Karbala that the Visa Waiver Program for Arbaeen pilgrims made it possible for more Iranians to go on pilgrimage to the sacred sites in Iraq.

He added: "Since the beginning of the current lunar month, up to three million and three hundred thousand Iranian pilgrims have arrived in Iraq, and roughly 50% of them have completed their pilgrimage and returned home to Iran. Overall, the number of pilgrims participating in the Great Arbaeen Walk has increased by one million compared to last year."

Iran's ambassador to Iraq, referring to the good security arrangements for the Arbaeen mourning ceremonies said: "Accurate information exchange and coordination between Iraqi authorities and the Arbaeen staff is another important point about this year's Arbaeen gathering."

213/211

Read more:

Photo: Thousands of pilgrims traveled to Iraq to participate in Arbaeen Trek

Photo: The Arbaeen Pilgrimage, the world's largest annual public gathering