Iran ready to strengthen Iraq Army: Iran defense minister

Iran Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan has expressed the Islamic Republic’s readiness to equip and strengthen the Iraqi army, saying countries in the Middle East are capable of restoring regional security.

In a meeting with the visiting Iraqi counterpart, Saadoun al-Dulaimi, in Tehran on Tuesday, Dehqan said “An independent, united, strong and secure Iraq guarantees regional security and prepares the ground for the country’s progress.”
According to Press TV, he noted that both Iran and Iraq are located in a “sensitive and strategic” region, and called on the two countries to improve cooperation based on mutual confidence and common interests to present a new model for regional cooperation.
Dehqan also condemned sectarian strife in Iraq and urged all national and moderate movements in the country to help strengthen peace and stability.
The Iraqi minister, for his part, said his visit to Iran is aimed at further boosting defense cooperation between Tehran and Baghdad.
Dulaimi hailed Iran’s positive stance on the ongoing crisis in Syria, adding that Tehran and Baghdad share views on developments in Damascus.
He stated that the Syrian and Iraqi people are victims of organized terrorism which aims to weaken independent and democratic countries in the region.