“The current capacities and conditions … promise a brilliant prospect for the relations between Iran and Iraq,” he said in a meeting with the Iraqi President Jalal Talabani.
Making a reference to the recent developments in the region, Shahroudi added, “The regional and international developments have made it imperative that cooperation among regional countries be increased. The expansion of ties between Iran and Iraq can lay a suitable ground for more regional cooperation.”
“With the Iraqi president’s visit to Iran, new steps are taken to boost the relations between the two Muslim countries.”
Talabani, for his part, pointed out that his talks with Iranian officials have been “beneficial and constructive”.
Iran is a powerful neighbor of Iraq: Talabani
In a separate meeting with the Iranian Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani, Talabani insisted that Iran is one of the most powerful neighbors of Iraq.
“The Islamic Republic is a great regional country and a powerful neighbor of Iraq. After many years of oppression and dictatorship by the former Iraqi regime, it is high time for the prosperity and advancement of the Iraqi nation and the expansion of ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran in all areas,” he said.
Talabani expressed his gratitude to Iran for its efforts to restore peace and security in the war-torn country.
Larijani, for his part, emphasized that the friendship between Iranians and Iraqis is rooted in history.
“The friendship and amity between the people of the two important countries of Iran and Iraq is rooted in the history, culture and rich civilization of the two countries,” he said.
Larijani also expressed his satisfaction over security progresses that Iraq has made.
The Majlis speaker went on to say that Iran is determined to expand its political, economic and cultural relations with Iraq.
HK/PA
END
MNA
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