Maliki Meets Leader of Islamic Ummah Imam Khamenei, President Rouhani in Tehran

The Iranian-Iraqi mutual relations as well as the regional developments topped the agenda of the meetings between Maliki and IraSayyed Khamenei-Malikin top officials in Tehran Thursday, FARS reported.

Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei received Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and stressed that strong relations with Baghdad is of high importance to Tehran.

During the meeting in Tehran on Thursday, Imam Khamenei said that the grounds are fully prepared for the expansion of Iran-Iraq all-out relations and that there is no barrier hindering boost in regional cooperation.

Expansion of political and economic cooperation between the two sides is of prime importance, Imam Khamenei said.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has witnessed significant scientific progress in recent years and can transfer its invaluable experiences to Iraq to further bolster ties, he added.

Describing the performance of the Iraqi government as positive, the Supreme Leader called for further efforts to develop the country.

He also referred to Iraqi President Jalal Talabani as Iran’s good and sincere friend and whished success and prosperity for him.

Maliki, for his part, appreciated efforts made by the Iranian government, and expressed the hope that his discussions and agreements reached between the two sides during his Tehran visit would help further boost in all-out bilateral relations.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki also met the Iranian President Hassan Rouhani who said that the Geneva II conferenMaliki-Rouhanice should focus on expelling the foreign-backed terrorists from Syria, FARS reported.

During the meeting in Tehran on Thursday, President Rouhani said the international conference on Syria to be held in Geneva should focus on the full exit of terrorists from Syria and preparing the ground for holding free elections in that country.

Al-Maliki, for his part, said that Iraq believes that all regional problems will be solved through the efforts being made by the new Iranian government.

The Iraqi prime minister arrived in Tehran at the head of a high-ranking delegation on Wednesday and was warmly welcomed by the Iranian first vice-president.