President Landmark Visit to Baghdad to Expand Bilateral Ties
President Landmark Visit to Baghdad to Expand Bilateral Ties
TEHRAN - President Hassan Rouhani and his Iraqi counterpart Barham Salih have called for expansion of bilateral ties between the two neighboring states in line with the interest of both nations.

Speaking in a joint press conference with Salih in Baghdad, Rouhani said the two states have the potential and capacity required to increase their relations in all sectors.

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“We do not want Iraq to turn into a scene for regional or international conflicts,” said the Iranian president, adding that Iraq can play an important role in relations between the countries of the region.

Rouhani said the Islamic Republic considers Iraq a very important country whose peace and stability is essential for the stability of the region.

“Close Tehran-Baghdad relations is what our nations want,” said Rouhani, adding “Iranian scientists and religious leaders have always been alongside each other and the Najaf and Qom seminaries have been the cradle of many great religious authorities.”

On the importance of deepening banking relations, he said “supporting the central banks of the two countries and trade with the use of national currencies will eliminate the need for foreign currencies.”

“Iran and Iraq can develop their cooperation and relations in different fields, such as energy, transportation, transit of goods, taking better advantage of Arvand Rud and linking the railways of the two countries to each other,” said the Iranian president.

He also went on to refer to border markets and industrial parks at the border of the two countries, adding “we are ready to transfer our experiences and technical and engineering services to Iraq.”

Iran has always favored a secure, independent and developed Iraq, said Rouhani, adding “fighting terrorist must continue until they are fully rooted out and Iran is ready to actively participate in Iraq’s reconstruction.”

He further mentioned that both countries have faced the issue of terrorism in the past several years.

“The message of this visit is that no bureaucracy and third country can affect the amicable, brotherly relations between Iran and Iraq,” he added.

In turn, Iraqi President Salih hailed Iran’s support for Baghdad in fighting ISIS terrorists. He also called for closer bilateral security cooperation.

Before his visit, Rouhani said the relations between Tehran and Baghdad are special. He underlined that bilateral ties currently cover almost all sectors, but there’s still room for enhancement.

The Iranian president went on to say that he, and the accompanying entourage, will discuss a wide range of issues including trade, transit, border security, and tourism. Iran’s president also noted that the two sides are aiming to grow bilateral trade volume to $20 billion a year.

  • source : IRAN NEWS