Enhanced Iran-Iraq ties serve common interests, promote regional peace: Rouhani

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has extended his congratulations to Mustafa al-Kadhimi on taking office as the new prime minister of Iraq, expressing hope that the two countries would further enhance ties in various fields in line with common interests.

President Rouhani made the remarks in a congratulatory message on Sunday, expressing hope that during Kadhimi’s tenure, Tehran and Baghdad would witness further expansion of relations in all areas and work more diligently to establish peace and stability in the region given the deep-rooted and historical ties between the two neighboring and Muslim nations.

The Iranian president also wished the incoming Iraqi Prime Minister health and success.

In its Wednesday session, the Iraqi Parliament approved the government of Kadhimi, ending six months of political deadlock in the Arab country.

Addressing a parliamentary session on Wednesday, after lawmakers approved his government, Kadhimi said his country would never allow outsiders to use the Arab country’s territory for any act of aggression against others.

He underlined the necessity of bringing all armed groups and militias under control of the prime minster as the commander in chief of the armed forces, and prevent Iraq from being a battleground between regional and international forces.

On April 9, Iraqi President Barham Saleh officially tasked Kadhimi with forming a government after the 53-year-old director of the country’s National Intelligence Service received the endorsement of the majority of the top political figures.