Iran Press/ Iran News: In this meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei addressed the Iraqi president and said: "Progress, happiness, independence, and Iraq's advancement are very important for the Islamic Republic of Iran."
Deepening Iran-Iraq ties mutually beneficial
"The expansion of bilateral cooperation and implementation of agreements previously reached will benefit both countries," added the leader.
Noting Iraq's progress, independence, and prosperity are of paramount importance for Iran, Ayatollah Khamenei told Rashid that the expansion of cooperation and implementation of bilateral agreements, economic and security one in particular, is to the benefit of the two countries.
He said: “The expansion and deepening of relations between Iran and Iraq has strong enemies, and if there had been no strong historical and religious ties between the two countries, perhaps the state of relations would have returned to the situation that existed during Saddam's time.”
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution put emphasis on the fact that the US is not a friend of Iraq, recalling that the Americans betray even their European friends.
“The US is not Iraq’s friend. The US is not anyone’s friend. They are not even loyal to their European friends. The presence of even one single American in Iraq is too much."
Ayatollah Khamenei also praised the Iraqi people for their hospitality in welcoming Iranian pilgrims during the Arbaeen and non-Arbaeen days, despite a history of an eight-year-long war between the two countries.
"The meaning behind such an important phenomenon is that there are unifying factors between these two nations and countries which external political factors cannot influence. Therefore, this opportunity should be used to further deepen our relationship and serious care, and vigilance needs to be undertaken for its continuation," he emphasized.
During the meeting, also attended by President Raisi, Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid, for his part, expressed his delight over meeting with the Leader of the Islamic Revolution. He said Iraq enjoys steady and strong relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran in various dimensions and fields.
He pointed to his meetings and discussions with Iranian officials, saying Iraq devotes all its efforts to deepening its bilateral ties with Iran and implementing the remaining issues between the two countries.
The Iraqi president also appreciated the assistance and support of the Iranian government and people for their country in different eras, especially in its fight against terrorism.
Heading a top delegation, the Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid arrived in Tehran on Saturday to meet with his counterpart Ebrahim Raisi and talk about a range of issues, including bilateral and regional ones.
224
Read More:
President Raisi receives his Iraqi counterpart at Saa'd Abad complex
Iraqi president arrives in Tehran
