TEHRAN (Iran News) – Foreign Minister of Iran Mohammad Javad Zarif in a tweeted message on July 19 before leaving Baghdad for Erbil, capital of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region in the north of the country, said that he had useful talks with senior Iraqi officials.
“Productive talks in Baghdad with PM @MAKadhimi, Pres. @BarhamSalih, Speaker Halbousi, FM @Fuad_Hussein1, and judicial, political, and military leaders. Agenda: Expanding cooperation to benefit our peoples—and the region.
“Next stop: Erbil for meetings with Kurdish leadership.”
Upon his arrival in Erbil on Sunday evening, the Iranian top diplomat was welcomed by Vice President for Kurdistan Region Jaafar Sheikh Mustafa.
Zarif is to hold talks with Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, and Head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party Masoud Barzani during his visit to the region.
He arrived in Baghdad Sunday morning on a day-long visit heading a high-ranking delegation to exchange views in separate meetings with senior Iraqi officials aiming at strengthening Iran-Iraq relations.
While in Baghdad, Zarif discussed latest regional and international issues with his Iraq counterpart Fuad Hussein, Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, Head of Fatah Allianceon Hadi al-Amiri, President Barham Salih, Leader of the National Wisdom Movement of Iraq Seyyed Ammar al-Hakim, Head of the Iraqi Judiciary Fayek Zidane and Chairman of the Hashd al-Shaabi, also known as the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), Falih al-Fayyadh.
Speaking in a joint press conference with his Iraqi counterpart, Zarif stressed that Iran-Iraq relations will not be “shaken”.
Zarif’s visit to Baghdad was the first since the American assassination of Iran’s Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani outside Baghdad airport in January.
Zarif paid a visit to the site of Soleimani’s assassination outside the Baghdad airport upon his arrival to Iraq’s capital. He said the loss of the Iranian general, who led Iran’s Quds Force, was “a major loss” in the fight against the Daesh terror group, but that “Iran-Iraq relations will not be shaken.”
He added that Iran and Iraq are pursuing the case of the US assassination through legal channels.
- source : Iran Daily, Irannews
