Iranian Security Official, Iraqi President Discuss Regional Developments

Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Shamkhani and Iraqi President Fouad Massoum discussed the latest security developments in the region, and stressed the need for both Tehran and Baghdad to reinvigorate cooperation to help end regional crises through peaceful ways.

Speaking in a meeting with the Iraqi president on Wednesday, Shamkhani underlined Iran-Iraq good cooperation in regional, economic and security areas as a significant strategic opportunity to maintain security in the region, and confront terrorism

“Iran-Iraq cooperation in fighting terrorism and restoration of security to vast areas of the country can be achieved through designing and implementing effective economic programs as well as providing sustainable welfare for the oppressed Iraqi people, including Shiite, Sunni and Kurd,” he added.

The Iraqi president, for his part, appreciated Iran’s valuable efforts in political, security and military areas to confront the threats of the terrorist groups, and called for all-out cooperation to resolve the regional problems.

In February, Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan in a phone conversation with his Iraqi counterpart Khaled al-Obeidi studied the latest developments in Iraq, and reiterated the necessity for cooperation between the two countries in the fight terrorism.

During the phone talk, Dehqan appreciated the Iraqi defense minister for his anti-terrorism positions, and underlined Iran’s firm support for the Iraqi nation, government and armed forces.

He also underscored Iran’s preparedness to accelerate implementation of agreements between the two countries and further increase defensive cooperation in line with the consolidation of stability and security in Iraq and the region.

Obeidi, for his part, thanked Iran’s principled positions and supports, and called for speeding up implementation of the recent agreements between the two countries in defense fields.