Iran, Iraq foil seditious conspiracy: Relations are deeply rooted

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
29 Nov 2022 13:35

Iranian President receives Iraqi Prime Minister on an official visit to Tehran as they discuss common threats in the region and deep ties between the two nations.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi welcomes Iraqi PM Mohammad Shia Al-Sudani in Tehran in an official ceremony, November 29, 2022

Iraqi newly elected Prime Minister Mohammad Shia Al-Sudani landed in Tehran on an official visit on Tuesday morning to discuss bilateral relations and other issues concerning the neighboring countries.

Al-Sudani arrived in Iran's capital heading a high-ranking delegation of political and economic officials and figures, who will meet with an Iranian delegation within the same fields.

The president of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ebrahim Raisi and the Iraqi PM held a press conference, where Iran's President expressed deep appreciation of the visit, adding that Iran's "relations with Iraq are not ordinary relations, our relations are rooted in the beliefs of the two nations that have brought the two nations and the two governments together."

Raisi continued that "the peak of Iran-Iraq relations can be seen in Arbaeen rituals [which marks the martyrdom of the Third Infallible Imam of Household of Holy Prophet, Imam Hussein (PBUH) and his true companions in the Battle of Karbala]. Iraqis have a worthy host of Arbaeen pilgrims and I appreciate them."

President Raisi also reiterated the importance of the agreements between the two countries that share a massive border in creating a more stable region unthreatened by terrorists and drug networks.

"Iranian and Iraqi governments believe that security, peace, and stability in the region are very important, and therefore the fight against terrorist groups, organized crimes, narcotics-smuggling gangs, and any insecurity that threatens the region are part of the agreements and common will of the two countries."

The Iranian President noted that the region's stability can only be achieved by its countries, while foreign intervention will only lead to greater insecurities.

"The presence of foreign forces in our region does not create security in any way. Just as the presence of Americans in Afghanistan and Iraq has not created security, it will not also create security in other parts of the region. Therefore, their departure from the region can definitely contribute to regional security," adding that Al-Sudani's visit to Tehran marks a milestone in the relations between the two neighbors which can also offer a great leap forward in their ties and cooperation across several fields.

"Monetary and banking issues, electricity and gas export are among the topics of negotiation, and without a doubt, this visit and talks between the two Iranian and Iraqi delegations can be of great importance in resolving the issues between them."

For his part, the Prime Minister of Iraq stated that bilateral relations were discussed with the Iranian President, including the security cooperation between the countries.

This trip is the first visit of an Iraqi official to Iran following the formation of the new Iraqi government.