Iraq to expand military ties with Iran

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki says the Baghdad government plans to expand its military ties with Tehran, stressing that such relations will ensure regional stability.

Maliki told Mehr News Agency on Monday that Iran and Iraq have deeply-rooted cultural, economic, historical and religious bonds. He added that common areas of interest and concern would likely effect the bilateral relations between the two countries.

The Iraqi prime minister said that the ongoing developments in the Middle East call for a new roadmap for Baghdad-Tehran military, political and security ties.

Maliki added that Iraq and Iran, famous in the region for their history and ancient civilization, can play a major role in creating stability in the Middle East through cooperation.

Iran and Iraq are trying to further develop ties following the fall of Iraq’s former dictator Saddam Hussein.