Rouhani: Mutual visits contributes to development of Iran-Iraq relations

Iran Press/Iran news: Hassan Rouhani made the remarks at a meeting of senior Iranian and Iraqi high-level delegations here in Tehran.

According to the official website of the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Rouhani stated: "Fortunately, in recent years, many steps have taken place in the ever-widening expansion of Tehran-Baghdad ties and it will surely continue."

Co-chairing the meeting with the Iraqi Prime Minister, Rouhani pointed to the urgent need to accelerate the implementation of the agreements between the two countries.

"Today, the friendly relations between Tehran and Baghdad are at a level where the presence of Iranian and Iraqi representatives in various international arenas will ensure confidence that the two countries' interests are well defended," he said.

The president emphasized the development of Iran-Iraq relations and cooperation in the current situation, adding that, "in the absence of necessary and lasting stability and security in the region, the development of all-round cooperation between Tehran and Baghdad will surely enhance the security and stability of the region."

"Iran historically is the main guardian of the Persian Gulf"

Rouhani said that the Islamic Republic of Iran is not willing to increase tensions in the region and with other countries, and will never initiate war and tension, stressing, "Iran has historically been the main guardian of security and freedom of shipping in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and the Sea of ??Oman."

Rouhani also emphasized: "We believe that the problems of the region should be resolved through dialogue, negotiation and cooperation between neighbors and countries in the region."

Referring to the importance of securing the common borders between Iran and Iraq, the president said that the serious fight against drug trafficking is one of the main concerns of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the two countries should jointly plan cooperation in this regard.

Referring to the implementation of an agreement between the two governments on facilitating the issuance of visas, Rouhani appreciated the Iraqi government for considering special facilities for commuting Arbaeen pilgrims.

"Iraq is committed to agreements with Iran"

At the meeting, Iraqi prime minister Adel Abdel Mahdi thanked Rouhani for the hospitality of the Islamic Republic of Iran, saying that the brotherhood, friendship, and fraternity of Iran and Iraq are mutually reinforcing.

Abdel Mahdi reiterated Iraq is committed to implementing its agreements with Iran.

Iraqi prime minister referred to some conspiracies to increase tensions in the region, saying Iraq has never been part of the sanctions against Iran and will not be.

"We welcome and support the development of cooperation and mutual relations between investors and entrepreneurs of Iran and Iraq," he said.

Prior to the meeting, the Interior Minister Abdol Reza Rahmani Fazli and Deputy Minister of Interior of Iraq Mohammad Badr examined the latest cooperation and implementation of the agreements.

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