Iraq’s territorial integrity key to Mideast stability: Larijani

Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani says Iraq’s territorial integrity is crucial for Iran and the stability of the Middle East.

“Iraq’s territorial integrity has always been important for us and we respect and regard it as an important principle for the stability of the region,” Larijani said at a joint press conference with visiting Iraqi Parliament Speaker Salim al-Jabouri in Tehran on Saturday.

He added that the Iranian government and nation have always stood by Iraq, particularly in recent years when the country has been facing a difficult situation.

He noted that in his talks with the Iraqi parliament speaker, they discussed avenues for the development of economic cooperation and removal of obstacles in the way of Iranian tradesmen trying to do business with the Iraqi side.

Larijani said that Iraq’s fight against terrorism, the establishment of security in the war-hit country and political issues were also raised in the talks.

Security crisis in Middle East

The Iraqi parliament speaker, for his part, said the Middle East is facing a security crisis, including acts of terror by the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group and other militants, and called on Iraq’s friend and neighboring countries to support the country to solve the problem.

Jabouri added that Iran stands by Iraq and helps the country in its battle against Daesh terrorists.

He further said Tehran and Baghdad can strengthen economic and parliamentary cooperation and added that decision-making and state bodies in Iraq are keen to boost relations with Iran, which he said would serve the two nations’ interests.

The Iraqi parliament speaker arrived in Tehran on Saturday to hold talks with senior Iranian officials on the latest developments in Iraq and other countries in the Middle East.

Iran has been supporting Iraq in its fight against Daesh Takfiri terrorists. On August 10, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi hailed the presence of Iranian military advisors in the country’s battle against Daesh terrorists and said the Iranian advisors are present in Iraq at Baghdad’s request.

The northern and western parts of Iraq have been plagued by gruesome violence ever since Daesh terrorists mounted an offensive in June 2014.

The Iraqi army and fighters from the Popular Mobilization Units have been engaged in joint operations to retake militant-held regions.