Iraq’s independence, political stability of high importance to Iran: President Rouhani

“Independence of Iraq as well as political stability, national sovereignty and territorial integrity of this country are very important to us,” Rouhani said in a Monday phone call with new Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi.

He added that Iran has always stood by Iraq in line with both nations’ interests, adding, “We need to keep a sharp lookout for plotters who have targeted the interests of Iraq and [other] regional nations.”

The Iranian president stressed the importance of establishing peace and stability in the region and said, “As we proved in the fight against [the] Daesh [terrorist group] that we stand by the Iraqi nation, we will continue to fully back this country’s government to help it secure the country’s stability and development.”

Rouhani further called for promoting bilateral economic cooperation and cross-border trade, activating border markets and implementing previously signed agreements for the development of the two countries’ joint oil pipeline and completing a railroad link in Shalamcheh region, as well as dredging Arvand River.

Iraq keen to boost all-out relations with Iran: Kadhimi

The Iraqi prime minister, for his part, described Iran as a friendly country and key player in the region and said Baghdad would never forget Tehran’s help to restore security and stability to Iraq, particularly in the battle against Daesh terrorists.

Iraq calls for strengthening of relations with Iran in all fields, Kadhimi added.

He emphasized that the re-opening of land borders and resuming exchanges of goods would promote economic relations between the two countries.

In a congratulatory message to Kadhimi on Sunday, Rouhani expressed hope that during his tenure, Tehran and Baghdad would witness further expansion of relations in all areas and work more diligently to establish peace and stability in the region given the deep-rooted and historical ties between the two neighboring and Muslim nations.