Iran Plans to Cement Ties with Iraq

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif underlined highly special, profound and extensive relations between Tehran and Baghdad and the necessity for continued talks between the two countries’ officials.
“We enjoy very special, deep and extensive relations and are therefore in vital need for exchanging political views,” Zarif said upon arrival in Baghdad on Tuesday.

He referred to the joint threats posed to both nations, including extremism, sectarianism and terrorism, specially the insecurities created by terrorists in Iraq, and said continued talks should be held to fight the phenomena.

Zarif underlined mutual cooperation to facilitate reciprocal visits by both countries’ citizens, and said a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be inked today on lifting political, service and special visas.

The Iranian foreign minister also said that he will discuss border issues, mutual cooperation, regional and international developments and ways to further expand all-out relations with the Iraqi officials.

Iranian First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri had also earlier this month visited Iraq to discuss the latest regional and international developments as well as bilateral relations with the Iraqi official.

During the visit, Jahangiri took part in a meeting of Iran-Iraq Joint High Commission which was co-chaired by Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi..
The Iranian first vice-president also met with Iraqi President Fouad Massoum, Foreign Minister Ibrahim Al-Jafari, Parliament Speaker Salim Al-Jabouri and Al-Abadi to discuss bilateral ties as well as regional and international developments.