Iran, Iraq border security cooperation 'positive', 'constructive': FM

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Tehran supports a unified and strong Iraq, which, in turn, contributes to Iran's strength and security, and urges its neighboring country to expedite the process of prosecuting the perpetrators of the assassination of martyrs Commander General Qassem Soleimani and PMF leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.

"Iran supports a unified, independent and strong Iraq, as well as its support for the decision of the Iraqis to self-determination," said Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on Wednesday during a joint press conference with his Iraqi counterpart Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein in Baghdad.

Iran's top diplomat also stressed "the need to accelerate the file of following up the crime of assassinating the leaders of victory."

Read more: Iraqi President: Soleimani participated in saving our country from ISIS
 
"Iraq's strength and progress is one of Iran's strength and security," he added, noting that "important talks were held within the framework of the joint security committee between Iraq and Iran, and we support strengthening Iraq's security and sovereignty in confronting terrorists."
 
Amir-Abdollahian continued, "The Iraqi government is determined that Iraq will not be a starting point to threaten neighboring countries, and efforts are continuing within the framework of developing Iranian relations with Iraq," hailing "Iraqi efforts to enhance dialogue between Tehran and Riyadh."

On his part, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said the two top diplomats discussed several issues of mutual interests, including security, and stressed that Iraq prohibits the use of its territory to attack neighboring nations.

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"We discussed with the Iranian Foreign Minister a range of issues of concern to the two countries, and the security and border situation is part of the talks," Hussein said during the press conference, noting that "the Iraqi government has taken a set of measures to protect the border with Iran."
 
"The Iraqi constitution prohibits the use of Iraqi territory to attack neighboring countries," he stressed.

Hussein also added that the discussions addressed "Iranian dues related to the purchase of gas, especially since Iranian dues were part of the talks in Washington."

Regarding the commercial transactions and railway system between the two countries, Iraq's top diplomat said there are further steps that need to be taken, and reaching an agreement between Tehran and Washington is vital for Baghdad, in reference to American sanctions on Iran.

"There are steps in the file of railway link, and regional and international issues and the results of the visit to Washington related to the Iranian side were discussed," noting that "reaching understandings between Iran and America is important for Iraq."