More secure Iraq to benefit Iran: Leader
Pezeshkian calls for establishment of joint economic hub with Iraq
Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei in a meeting with visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said the more prosperous and secure Iraq is, the better it will be for Iran.
Ayatollah Khamenei also said the unity among different religions and ethnicities of Iraq is very important and necessary for the Arab country.
The Leader described Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces as one of the important components of power in Iraq, which he said should be further strengthened.
Ayatollah Khamenei also pointed to the “illegal” presence of American forces in Iraq, saying that it is in contrary to the interests of the Iraqi people and government.
He said that it seems that the Americans are trying to expand their presence in Iraq, underlining that, “This occupation must be resisted with seriousness.”
Earlier on the day, the Iraqi prime minister held separate talks with his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian. Their discussions covered topics such as trade, cooperation, and recent developments in Syria.
Joint economic hub
Pezeshkian said the geographical location of Iran and Iraq is unique for the establishment of a regional economic hub, emphasizing Iran’s readiness to establish a joint economic zone.
Iranians and Iraqis have lived side by side for centuries and the religious and cultural ties between the two nations provide a suitable basis for promoting political, economic, scientific, and cultural interactions between the two countries, Pezeshkian said.
The Iraqi prime minister also emphasized his country’s determination to implement the agreements signed between the two countries in railway and road projects, establishment of a joint economic zone in the border areas, as well as gas and electricity projects.
“We are also interested in the participation of Iranian companies in the implementation of Iraqi infrastructure projects,” Sudani said.
Since taking office in July, the Iranian president has repeatedly underlined that his government’s priority is the expansion of relations with neighboring countries.
Iraq is a valuable partner, serving as a crucial market for Iranian goods, electricity, and gas exports and a destination for Iranian investments.
Developments in Syria
The two leaders also discussed the developments in Syria which is undergoing a major transition after militants took over the country in December.
In a joint press conference with the Iraqi prime minister, Pezeshkian called for the withdrawal of Israel from the Syrian territory.
“The need for the Zionist regime to withdraw from the territories it occupied and the importance of respecting religious sentiments (in Syria), particularly regarding Shia holy places and shrines, were among the concerns,” Pezeshkian said.
The Iranian president also warned of the “reactivation of terrorist cells” in Syria.
Elsewhere in his remarks, the Iranian president said Iran is after peace, stability and security for the entire region, noting that the neighboring Iraq is experiencing a period of stability and expansion after vanquishing of the terrorist group of Daesh.
“The Iraqi Republic is an important country in our neighborhood and serves as Iran’s strategic partner. We are pleased that our relations are underway at their most perfect level, and the extent of our mutual cooperation expands in various areas each day,” the Iranian president stated.