Iran, Iraq Reaffirm Determination to Boost Ties
IRAN NEWS POLITICAL DESK
TEHRAN – The foreign ministers of Iran and Iraq have expressed the two countries’ determination to broaden the bilateral economic and trade ties.
Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who is in Baghdad on a one-day visit, held a joint press conference with his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein on Sunday after two rounds of talks.
In the presser, the top Iraqi diplomat said he and Foreign Minister Zarif have discussed the economic interaction between the two neighbors and the impacts of the outbreak of coronavirus on the economic ties in their bilateral talks.
“We share the view that it is necessary to support Iraq’s sovereignty,” Hussein noted, adding that Zarif has emphasized that a strong Iraq would contribute to a strong region.
“We must keep the region and Iraq away from the international tensions and support Iraq’s sovereignty,” he stressed, noting that Baghdad seeks “balanced ties” with the neighbouring states.
For his part, the visiting Iranian minister said Tehran is delighted to have supported Baghdad in the fight against terrorism, which is the common enemy of humanity.
It is necessary to hold talks about the regional and international issues, since the region requires calm, Zarif added.
He further said the U.S. assassination of top Iranian commander Lt. General Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis was a great loss to the war on terrorism.
It is highly significant for Iran that Iraq’s sovereignty is not violated, Foreign Minister Zarif underlined, calling for vigilance to combat the constant threat posed by the ISIS terrorist group.
He finally called for the enhancement of economic ties between Tehran and Baghdad, saying the two neighbors will work on various joint plans such as shipping industry, maritime border, and connection of the railroad networks.
Later Zarif and Prime Minister of Iraq Mustafa Al-Kadhimi held a meeting in Baghdad.
In their talks, held in a private and a plenary meeting, Foreign Minister Zarif and Prime Minister Kadhimi discussed the latest developments in Tehran-Baghdad bilateral ties, the Iraqi premier’s upcoming visit to Iran, as well as the major regional and international issues.
Zarif also later met Iraqi President Barham Salih.
Referring to the long-standing and historical relations between Iran and Iraq, the two sides described the development and deepening of the relation in favor of the two nations and regional countries.
During the meeting, the two sides also discussed the latest developments in bilateral relations and some important issues for the expansion of economic and trade relations between the two countries, the follow-up to the martyrdom of resistance leaders, the most important regional and international issues.
