Iraq security in Mideast interest

Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says the entire region would benefit from Iraq’s progress and security, calling for unity and cooperation among Iraqi factions.

“Despite the occupiers’ propaganda and efforts, different Iraqi groups pursue their future in unity and solidarity, and undoubtedly continuing on this path will provide Iraq’s progress and security,” Ahmadinejad said in a meeting with Iraq’s Kurdistan Prime Minister Barham Salih on Monday.

“Today, all those who opposed the security and progress of regional nations especially Iraq have been weakened and are declining,” Ahmadinejad said, adding that the region’s countries are progressing and their power is growing by the day.

The Iranian president said today because of unity and awareness of regional nations, the enemies and occupiers have become disappointed and discouraged and have no alternative but to leave the region.

“This unity and bright future has regional and trans-regional enemies against whom [we] must be vigilant.”

Ahmadinejad also stressed that there is no restriction in expanding relations between Iran and Iraq.

Salih for his part said, “Iraq seeks to strengthen and deepen its relations with neighboring countries and the Islamic Republic of Iran has priority.”

The Iraqi official called for greater cultural, trade and security cooperation between the two countries, adding that Iran and Iraq’s security is inseparable, so Iraqi officials pay special attention to uprooting insecurity in the region.