Mohsen Hakim, a political advisor to SCIRI leader Seyyed Abdul Aziz Hakim, told the Mehr News Agency that during Jafari’s stay in Tehran various protocols would be signed between the two neighboring countries and efforts will also be made to resolve previous problems.
He noted that 10 ministers are accompanying the Iraqi premier in his trip to Iran, expressing hope that the visit would open a new chapter in brotherly and friendly ties between Tehran and Baghdad.
“This cooperation will certainly not be against a third country but will only be aimed at expanding bilateral ties,” Hakim said.
He noted that the presence of foreign forces in Iraq has become an important challenge for the country.
“I hope we will witness the withdrawal of foreign troops from the country as soon as Iraq reconstructs its national security structure. No Iraqi agrees with the presence of foreign forces in his country,” Hakim stated.
One of the strategic policies of the new Iraqi government is to improve ties with regional countries especially neighbors and with the rest of the world, he underlined.
Hakim noted that Iran and Iraq share many historical, cultural, religious and geopolitical commonalities, saying Iraq’s former dictatorial regime had prevented the establishment of Iran-Iraq ties based on mutual interests.
“We all know that the Iranian nation and government have always been one of the biggest supporters of Iraq and it’s wrong to think that the Islamic Republic has centered its support on the Iraqi Shiite community.
“The Iranians have always voiced support for the entire Iraqi nation irrespective of their language, religion and ethnicity.”
Hakim stated that Iran and Iraq can establish positive ties in various political, economic, religious and security fields.
HL/MS
End
MNA