Iran, Iraq discuss reciprocal visa-free travel

Iran and Iraq have discussed a reciprocal visa waiver program to boost tourism and trade transactions between the two neighbors.

The issue was raised in a meeting between Iran’s Parliament (Majlis) Speaker Ali Larijani and Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on the sidelines of the 11th session of Parliamentary Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (PUIC) in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, on Sunday.

The Iraqi prime minister said he will follow up on the issue of visa-free travel for the Iranian and Iraqi nationals willing to exchange visits.

Larijani and Abadi also exchanged views on other matters of mutual interests.

During their meeting, the two officials underlined the need to continue cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

Heading a parliamentarian delegation, Larijani arrived in Baghdad on Saturday to participate in the PUIC session. He delivered a speech at the meeting on Sunday.

Representatives from 40 Muslim countries, including 16 Arab nations, attended the PUIC meeting which wrapped up on Sunday. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain were absent at the session.

The PUIC was established in Iran on 17 June 1999, with its head office situated in Tehran. The 10th session of the PUIC was held in Turkey in January 2015.