Iranian Pilgrims’ Visits to Iraqi Holy Sites to Resume
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said restricted visits by Iranian pilgrims to Iraqi holy sites will resume, adding that the trips will be made in compliance with the COVID-19 health protocols.
Speaking with IRIB news agency during a visit to Iraq, Saeed Khatibzadeh said that in his meeting with the Iraqi Minister of Culture, the subject of resumption of pilgrims’ visits to Iraqi holy cities was raised and it was decided that the dispatch of Iranian pilgrims should be resumed in a limited manner and in accordance with the health protocols.
Noting that the relations between the two countries are at an excellent level, he added that his visit to Iraq was planned in order to further increase coordination in the fields of cultural affairs, public diplomacy and media relations with the country.
Referring to visa waiver problem with the neighboring country, Khatibzadeh said talks have been held with Iraqi officials in this regard and apparently “there is no specific concern in this regard.”
Last year, Iraq did not allow any foreign pilgrims to visit the country for Arbaeen season considering the coronavirus restrictions.
Each year, millions of Shiite Muslims flock to the Iraqi city of Karbala, where the holy shrine of Imam Hussein (AS) is located, to perform mourning rites on Arbaeen, which marks the 40th day after Ashura.