Pointing out that Iran-Iraq relations are not normal but strategic relations, the President stated, "The will of the two countries is to develop relations in all fields. Our relations with Iraq and the countries of the region are based on looking at the common interests and security of the nations of the region".
Ayatollah Dr Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi said in a press conference with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid, "During this trip, good negotiations were held between us in various areas, and the will of the two countries is to develop relations in all areas".
Pointing out that Iran-Iraq relations are not normal but strategic relations, the President stated, "The will of the two countries is to develop relations in all fields. Our relations with Iraq and the countries of the region are based on looking at the common interests and security of the nations of the region".
Dr Raisi pointed out that the relations between Tehran and Baghdad in the field of infrastructure such as water, electricity, gas and energy should continue in such a way that the use of existing capacities fully meets the needs of both sides.
Referring to the security agreement between Iran and Iraq and its role in improving regional security, the President stated, "Iraq's security is important to us, and the smallest insecurity in Iraq is considered to be insecurity in Iran".
Referring to the consequences of the presence of the Americans in the region, Ayatollah Raisi noted, "As much as we consider the negotiations between the countries of the region useful, we consider the presence of foreign forces in the region to be harmful and we consider the presence of the Americans to be a threat to the security of the region. Our relations with Iraq and the countries of the region are based on looking at the common interests and security of the nations of the region, but the Americans are looking for their own interests".
The President said, "The good relations between Iran and Iraq will definitely lead to bilateral, regional and international cooperation, and the interests of both sides require us to be together and continue understanding and cooperation".
In another part of this press conference, Dr Raisi said about his Iraqi counterpart's proposal for cooperation between the two countries in the fight against drug trade, "Today it is clear to the people of the region and the world that the Islamic Republic of Iran is at the forefront of the fight against drugs and has offered many martyrs in this path".
Ayatollah Raisi added, "One day I told the officials of European countries that if it were not for Iran, you would be immersed in drugs and you should be grateful to the Islamic Republic in this regard. Since the beginning of the revolution, Iran has had a brilliant track record in the fight against drugs, and the countries of the region must have real cooperation to fight against organised crime and drugs".
The President also reminded the duties of the United Nations in supporting countries to deal with organised crime and drugs and said, "Until now, the support of the United Nations has been limited to words and thanks to the headquarters of the fight against drugs in Iran, but this is a serious task and it requires serious and real support and determination".
At the same time, Ayatollah Raisi noted, "It is a source of satisfaction that Iraq is also determined in the fight against drugs".
Also, referring to the issue of water and water rights of the countries from the water reserves of the region, the President said, "The countries of the region have rights to water and the amount of water reserves in the region, and a water right has been agreed upon for everyone, which should be adhered to and committed to these rights".
Dr Raisi added, "The Islamic Republic of Iran emphasises on respecting its water rights and the water resources of the region, and we believe that the water rights of the countries in the region should be respected like other countries' resources".
The President stated, "As we emphasise on Iran's exploitation of Arvand, we also respect Iraq's right to water according to the agreements signed in the past, and both countries must be committed and adhere to this right so as not to create problems and disruptions".
Ayatollah Raisi, pointing out that in the meeting with his Iraqi counterpart and his accompanying delegation, it was decided that following the negotiations between the Ministers of Defence of the two countries, the negotiations between the two ministers will continue so that they can resolve the issues between them both from a technical point of view, as well as from a legal and management point of view.
He emphasised, "Iran will fully cooperate with the Iraqi side in this regard".