Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has described the upcoming official visit of Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih Kadhim al-Zaidi and his high-level delegation to Tehran as a potential turning point in expanding the two neighbors’ strategic partnership, urging government institutions to maximize opportunities for deeper cooperation across economic, security, and infrastructure sectors.
Ahead of the visit, President Pezeshkian chaired a high-level meeting on Iran-Iraq economic relations within the framework of the Joint Economic Cooperation Commission. The session brought together senior economic officials, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Governor of the Central Bank of Iran Abdolnaser Hemmati, as well as representatives of other government organizations and private sector.
Participants reviewed and finalized a package of bilateral cooperation agreements prepared over recent months by specialized committees from both countries. The documents are expected to be signed and exchanged during meetings between the two nations’ senior officials.
The meeting also focused on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, transportation, transit, customs, agriculture, energy, banking and financial services, economic infrastructure, and measures to facilitate bilateral commerce. Officials discussed implementation mechanisms aimed at accelerating existing agreements and launching new joint initiatives.
Security cooperation also featured prominently on the agenda, with discussions covering border security, regional stability, coordinated efforts against common threats, and continued consultation between relevant institutions in both countries.
Participants further explored opportunities to strengthen scientific, educational, technological, and cultural exchanges, while emphasizing the importance of expanding tourism, religious pilgrimage, health tourism, and facilitating travel for citizens of both countries.
During the meeting, President Pezeshkian described Iran-Iraq relations as exceptional, founded on deep historical, cultural, religious, and strategic ties. He said the upcoming visit offers a valuable opportunity to open a new chapter in bilateral relations by advancing comprehensive cooperation and implementing practical agreements.
The president called for full coordination among government agencies to ensure tangible outcomes from the visit, particularly in economic, trade, investment, and infrastructure projects.
He also highlighted the active participation of the Iraqi people in the recent funeral ceremonies for Iran’s martyred Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, describing it as a powerful symbol of the profound social and religious bonds connecting the two nations.
President Pezeshkian stressed that stronger private-sector engagement will be essential for achieving sustainable economic cooperation, emphasizing that long-term bilateral growth depends on expanding partnerships between Iranian and Iraqi businesses. He concluded by reaffirming the government's readiness to ensure the visit's success and the effective implementation of all bilateral agreements.