Iranian President Meets Ex-Iraqi Premiers

In a meeting with former prime minister of Iraq Haider al-Abadi, Rouhani stressed the need for efforts to promote cooperation among regional nations.

Iran and Iraq play an influential role in the region with some other states, like Turkey, the Iranian president said, adding, “Apart from the bilateral ties, we should try to expand multilateral cooperation among regional countries in various fields such as transit, railroad and the fight against terrorism.”

The president also called for closer interaction between Iranian and Iraqi political activists, parties, universities, and economic sectors.

For his part, Abadi praised the close cooperation with Iran in the battle against terrorism, saying Tehran and Baghdad should now push for the expansion of trade and cultural partnership.

In another meeting with Abadi’s predecessor, Nouri al-Maliki, the Iranian president said Iran and Iraq have maintained and strengthened cordial ties in the past years.

“Iraq’s prominent figures and politicians in any position play an important role in the development, security and stability of this country and Tehran-Baghdad bilateral relations.”

Rouhani further said, “We are determined to promote relations and cooperation with Iraq on the basis of mutual interests.” 

Maliki, for his part, pointed to the Iraqi political parties’ support for growing ties with Iran, saying the two neighbors could broaden relations in various arenas, such as economic cooperation, investment, and regional and international cooperation.

Heading a high-ranking delegation, Rouhani arrived in Baghdad on Monday at the official invitation of the Iraqi government. It is Rouhani’s first official visit to Iraq during his tenure.