Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Wednesday that the Islamic Republic has always been seeking peace, stability and development in neighboring countries, particularly in Iraq that has special importance for Iran.
“The development of ties with neighboring countries, including our dear neighbor Iraq, is a top priority of Iran’s foreign policy. We consider security and welfare of the Iraqi people part of our interests, and will spare no assistance in this path,” said President Pezeshkian.
He made the comments in a joint press conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani in Tehran, expressing hope that the visit by the Iraqi delegation will help speed up cooperation between the two nations.
Pezeshkian said he held “good negotiations” with the Iraqi PM about boosting Tehran-Baghdad cooperation in all fields, adding that they discussed trade and economic cooperation, including the completion of Shalamcheh-Basra Railway.
According to the president, the two sides also held talks on the development of cooperation in customs affairs, the participation of Iranian and Iraqi companies in joint projects, as well as the removal of obstacles in the way of activities of private sectors.
Pezeshkian also thanked the Iraqi government and people for hosting Iranian pilgrims who visit the Arab country for religious pilgrimages and visiting holy shrines of several Shia imams.
Pezeshkian touched upon the recent developments in Syria following the fall of the government of Bashar al-Assad.
The Iranian president said Iran and Iraq have common concern on stability and tranquility in Syria as well as the preservation of its territorial integrity. Countering terrorist groups, and the necessity of the Zionist regime’s withdrawal from the areas it has occupied in Syria are among concerns of Iran and Iraq as well, he added.