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Outgoing Iranian Presidents hails Iran-Iraqi ties as constructive

19 July 2013 15:48 (UTC+04:00)
Outgoing Iranian Presidents hails Iran-Iraqi ties as constructive

By Sara Rajabova

Iran's outgoing President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad who is on an official visit in Iraq said his country sees no limits to the expansion of all-out ties with neighboring Iraq, Press TV reported.

In a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki in Baghdad on July 18 he noted that the bilateral ties between the two countries are crucial for stability and prosperity of the region.

Ahmadinejad underlined that Tehran and Baghdad plan to further develop close cooperation in the fields of engineering services, energy and electricity.

The Iranian president also noted that the development of the two countries' tourism sectors is too noticeable.

"Today, everyone is convinced that regional progress and security hinge on cooperation and joint efforts by Iran and Iraq," the Iranian president added.

Regional and international developments in recent years have provided an opportunity for both Iran and Iraq to bolster cooperation in all areas, he noted.

The Iraqi premier, for his part, said his country seeks to boost ties with all friendly countries in the region, including Iran.

Maliki added that Tehran and Baghdad enjoy numerous commonalities, saying that Iraq is not bound by any confines in promoting cooperation with Iran, particularly in the energy and electricity sectors.

Ahmadinejad met with Iraqi Vice-President Khazir al-Khazai and Iraqi Parliament Speaker Osama al Nujaifi as well.

In a separate meeting with Iraqi Vice-President al-Khazai, the Iranian president also said the enhancement of mutual ties would serve the interests of the nations in the region and the entire Muslim world as well as the Iranian and Iraqi people.

"Whenever the Iranian and Iraqi nations stood by each other, no foreign power could damage their relations," Ahmadinejad stated.

The Iraqi vice-president, for his part, said Tehran and Baghdad have common ground in a whole range of areas and can play a leading role in the region and the world.

He expressed hope that the Iranian president's visit to Baghdad would further strengthen solidarity and unity between the two countries.

Meanwhile, in the meeting with Nujaifi, Ahmadinejad hailed Iran-Iraq cooperation as constructive and growing, and said there is no division between the two countries today.

Ahmadinejad also highlighted the Iraqi parliament's instrumental role in strengthening international relations as well as national unity, adding that Iraq is treading the path to power and security.

Iran and Iraq can play a significant role in creating an understanding among regional countries, he emphasized, saying that Iran will use everything in its power to promote solidarity and unity in the region.

He said the possibilities are endless when it comes to the expansion of Tehran-Baghdad ties, and that "the two countries are determined to fully tap into their potential to consolidate and expand relations."

Iranian President Ahmadinejad arrived in Iraq on July 18 at the head of a high-ranking delegation for an official two-day visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries. The outgoing Iranian president is also expected to pay a visit to the holy Iraqi cities of Karbala and Najaf.

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