During the meeting, Ali Akbar Velayati expressed regret over foreign intervention in regional affairs, adding “certain foreign countries and their reactionary allies in the region are creating conflict and division which need to be confronted with serious resolve. The United Nations’ efforts can prove to be very effective in this respect,” Ali Akbar Velayati said during the meeting with Ján Kubiš.
He went on to highlight the need for preventing various countries from meddling with internal affairs of regional countries such as Iraq, adding “the United Nations can play a significant and fundamental role in this and can help the Iraqi nation against the interference of outside forces in the country’s domestic affairs.”
“The Islamic Republic of Iran has always stood by repressed nations in the region against extremist and terrorist groups, and has played its positive role in establishing peace, stability and development in region, including in Iraq and Syria,” Velayati said.
He underscored that the future of Iraqi people is directly linked to the peace and security of all other regional countries, adding “Iran will strongly support the legitimate government of Iraq in the fight against any terrorist element and make efforts for the establishment of stability and democracy in this country.”
Iran’s presence in Iraq is completely at the legitimate request of the Iraqi government, he added.
The UN envoy, for his part, noted the upcoming provincial elections in Iraq, adding “great care should be taken that the elections take place in line with bringing about further stability to Iraq.”
He praised the Iraqi government for its efforts on economic reforms, adding “without doubt, with the eradication of ISIL, the Iraqi people will make more and more efforts for the development and prosperity of their country.”
“Fortunately, regional countries have shown great interest in developing interactions with Baghdad and the new UN Secretary-General has his eyes set on development, sustainable peace and humanitarian activities,” he said.
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