Iranian President Hassan Rouhani held talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Thursday in Tehran, noting the Arab country’s gradual recovery from serious security issues and domestic problems; “The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to contribute without sparing any efforts to the restoration and development process of Iraq, and to stand behind the Iraqi nation and government,” Rouhani added.
President Rouhani went on to call for the improvement of banking relations between the two sides aimed at facilitating trade and economic transactions, as well as the facilitation of visa issuance for further expansion of interactions between the two nations.
Rouhani also highlighted the significance of maintaining Iraq’s territorial integrity and independence, adding “further security and stability in Iraq is a source of happiness for Iranian nation and government, as the Islamic Republic deems Iraq’s security in line with the security of its own as well as the entire region.”
The Iranian president lauded Iraqi government’s measure in regard to the Kurdistan region’s move for separation, adding “countering terrorism and any separatist policies that could undermine Iraq’s unity and territorial integrity need to be continued. Tehran wishes for a strong central government in Iraq.”
“Today, we see no reason for continuation of conflicts and tensions among regional countries,” Rouhani stressed.
Haider al-Abadi, for his part, underscored Iraqi nation’s resolve to stand steadfastly against all plots aimed at undermining the unity and territorial integrity of the country.
“Conflicts and tensions in the region give way to foreign intervention in regional countries’ affairs,” he said, calling for collective cooperation in line with settling disputes among countries in the region.
The Iraqi prime minister further voiced keen interest in expanding cooperation with Iran in line with the two countries’ interests and the region’s stability and security.
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