Iran Resolved to Broaden Ties with Iraq: Rouhani

In a meeting with his Iraqi counterpart in Baghdad on Monday, Rouhani referred to the friendly, brotherly and developing relations between the two countries and stressed more efforts by the authorities to deepen bilateral, regional and international relations.

He also appreciated the hospitality of the Iraqi government towards the Iranian delegation and expressed hope that the visit would further develop relations between the two countries, according to his official website.

Iran and Iraq have proved good neighborliness and brotherhood towards each other in different fields, Rouhani said, adding, “The Islamic Republic of Iran, in its entirety, is determined to further develop relations with Iraq.”

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

Highlighting the importance of close banking relations, the president 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 the Arvand Rud River and linking the railways of the two countries to each other,” he added.

Rouhani referred to border markets and industrial parks at the common border, saying, “We are ready to transfer our experiences and technical and engineering services to Iraq.”

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

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

President Barham Salih of Iraq, for his part, said, “We consider the Iranian nation our own family and Iran our second country.”

Stating that Iran has welcomed many Iraqis in critical points and supported the country in fighting terrorists, he said, “Iran has had a very remarkable role in defeating Daesh.”

“We will never forget Iran’s brotherly backing of Iraqi people in hard days and we will stand by the people of Iran as well,” Salih stated.

The president of Iraq also welcomed development of relations between the two countries in different fields, including railways, tourism, the environment, industry, mining, and scientific and cultural cooperation.

Heading a high-ranking delegation, Rouhani arrived in Baghdad on Monday at the official invitation of the Iraqi government. It is Rouhani’s first official visit to Iraq during his tenure.