The two neighboring countries’ relations are exceptional in different domains which include religious, economic and fighting against terrorism, since the Islamic Republic of Iran has seriously been suffered by terrorism, Tehran enjoys a deep understanding about this evil phenomenon.
The Islamic Republic of Iran has strong belief that a powerful Iraq will benefit the whole region, Iran in particular and the two countries enjoy a strategic ties and undoubtedly the maintenance of mutual ties would serves the interests of both nations, the Muslim world and regional countries in particular.
In an indication of two countries’ strong determination to amend cordial relations, al-Abadi recently traveled to Iran to review the avenues to expand all-out ties with Iran mainly broadening economic relations between the two countries.
Some Iranian officials believe that the visit would open a new chapter in expansion of economic cooperation with Iran.
While in Iran, the Iraqi prime minister conferred with Iran's high-ranking officials including Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, President Hassan Rouhani, Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani, First Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri and Intelligence Minister Mahmoud Alavi on issues of mutual interest and regional developments as well.
Never trust US
In a meeting with al-Abadi and his accompanying delegation, Ayatollah Khamenei underlined the need for maintaining integrity of Iraq, stressing that the Iraqi officials should “never trust the US.”
Ayatollah Khamenei hailed the “unity and harmony of political and religious currents in Iraq in their fight against the Daesh (ISIS) terrorist group.”
He also described the Iraqi “popular forces” as a major and auspicious phenomenon “and source of authority” for that country.
“One should be vigilant against the US and never trust them because they and their allies in the region oppose Iraq's independence, identity and unity,” said the Leader.
Warning against the US plots to wreak havoc in Iraq, Ayatollah Khamenei further noted, “No chance should be given to the US to sow discord or cause conflict in Iraq. The US forces should be prevented from intervening in Iraq on the pretext of education or other issues.”
“Iran as a neighbor is opposed to rumors on holding referendum to separate a part of Iraq and consider those fanning the flames of division opponents of Iraq’s independence and identity,” said the Leader.
Highlighting Iraq’s material, historic and human richness, Ayatollah Khamenei said that with such a historic and cultural civilization, Iraq should remain integrated. Not to mention that such a country is entitled to standing on its own feet and strongly counter those seeking to undermine Iraq.
Al-Abadi, for his part, appreciated Iran for its supports against the terrorist group of Daesh.
“Today, Iraq is united and integrated against Daesh and all political and religious parties are unanimous in continuing campaign until uprooting Daesh,” Iraqi PM said.
Stressing that destroying Daesh is possible, the Iraqi PM reaffirmed that Iraq needs Iran aid in the fight against the terrorist group as well as in post-Daesh era which is a time for stability and reconstruction.
Mosul Liberation
In a meeting with al-Abadi, President Rouhani said that liberating Mosul is a victory for regional countries, but fighting terrorism shouldn’t put Quds and the danger of the Zionist regime out of mind.
President Rouhani congratulated Iraq's Prime Minister on Iraq’s victories, and said, “Liberating Mosul is a symbol of the end to terrorism and a victory for Iran, Iraq, Syria and all the regional countries dealing with terrorism.”
Saying that fighting terrorism and creating piece in the region depend on collaboration of all the countries and that Iran considers Iraq’s security as its own, President Rouhani said expansion of terrorism is the ominous plan of the Zionists and fighting terrorism shouldn’t make Quds issue and the danger of the Zionists fade away.
Rouhani added that there are no barriers on the way of the two countries to expand collaboration and Tehran is after expanding all-out ties with Iraq, which is definitely the wish of people of both countries and in line with joint interests.
The Iranian president also reiterated that the territorial integrity of all the countries should be preserved and disintegrating the countries is of no benefit to anyone, and Iran backs a unified Iraq.
Meanwhile, the Iraqi prime minister said that his country is determined to expand ties with Iran in every field.
He also said that Daesh terrorists know no borders and that it is necessary that all countries cooperate to fight terrorism.
Iraqi PM, added that any movement other than toward a unified Iraq is illegal and unacceptable.
Iran-Iraq Sincere Ally
Larijani in a meeting with al-Abadi said Iran considers Iraq as its sincere ally.
He said disintegration of Iraq is desire of the Zionist regime and confrontation against separatism in Iraq is so important.
‘We believe you have successful experiences in fight against terrorism and you are very well aware that nature of terrorists in the region is different from past decade, but Iraq shown its might and demolished them.
Takfiri terrorists have two goals for future in Iraq; one to create problems inside Iraq to prepare grounds for disintegration, which is desire of the Israelis, and second goal is to involve Iraqis by internal problems, so that they cannot have trans-border activities, because Iraq is a democratic state and can has good growth and is effective in the region.
Larijani said that missiles fired into Daesh bases in Syria were carrying this message that Iran has entered a new phase in the fight against terrorism.
Al-Abadi expressed pleasure for visiting Iran, and said this visit means re-emphasizing consolidated relations between the two brotherly and neighbor states, a friendship which benefit both nations, countries and the region.
He reiterated that solidarity among countries is necessary to annihilate Daesh and stressed that unfortunately some differences between countries of the region, which created obstacle in the way of demolishing Daesh and creating stability and security in the region and we hope they find out the sensitivity of the situation and look for returns of security in the region.
There are some political differences among parties and groups in Iraq, but we are trying to these differences from being abused by Daesh.
He pointed to developments in Syria, and said that problems in Syria became more complicated because different countries like Jordan, Turkey, the US and the Persian Gulf littoral states are following their own interests, but Iraq has two main goals there; first to annihilate and fight against the ISIS and then to establish good relations with the Syrian government.
Al-Abadi called for increase in economic and trade interactions between Tehran and Baghdad, and added that in this visit 'we had good meetings' in this concern.