“Khosravi is the only Iran-Iraq joint border which leads passengers directly to Baghdad,” Hooshang Bazvand said, “It is an advantage per se but due to the recent unrest in Iraqi capital, a new road has been selected to replace the route to Baghdad from Khosravi border, security of which is to be provided by Hashd al-Shaabi,”.
“From Khosravi border, the selected road goes to Najaf and then to Karbala,” he added.
ON September 29, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Iranian Expatriates’ and Parliamentary Affairs Hossein Jaberi Ansari and Iraq's Parliament Speaker Muhammad al-Halbusi discussed ways of boosting cooperation on Arbaeen precession.
In a meeting in Baghdadi, the two sides discussed a host of issues, including bilateral and regional developments as well as the coordination between Iran and Iraq to secure the processions of Arbaeen pilgrimage.
Baghdad, Karbala, and Najaf are among other destinations of Ansari on his official trip to the neighboring country.
Arbaeen, which is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, comes 40 days after Ashura, the martyrdom anniversary of the third Shia Imam, Imam Hussein (PBUH).
Each year, millions of Shias visit Karbala, where the holy shrine of Imam Hussein (PBUH) is located, to perform mourning rites.
Last year, two and half a million Iranian pilgrims participated in Arbaeen pilgrimage but the figure is expected to reach three and a half to four million this year, given the fact that visa requirements for Iranians have been lifted.
MNA/ 4738272
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