Iran’s FM: Pezeshkian’s upcoming visit to Iraq highlights strong bilateral ties

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi says the decision to make Iraq the first foreign destination for President Masoud Pezeshkian underscores the deep brotherly ties between the two nations.

In an interview with Iraq’s Al-Furat channel on Tuesday, Araqchi expressed Iran’s commitment to supporting Iraq’s progress and development.

“We aspire to see Iraq flourish, grow, and shore up its borders. Any economic project that contributes to this goal will receive our support.”

Araqchi said both countries are on the right track to effectively manage their borders and combat sabotage groups.

He expressed satisfaction with Iraq’s efforts against factions targeting Iran from its territory. “We are in continuous consultation with the Iraqi side to optimally implement the security agreement signed in 2023.”

The Iranian diplomat also praised Iraq’s initiatives aimed at reducing regional tensions.

“We welcome Iraq’s mediatory role to ease tensions in the region and appreciate the five rounds of negotiations hosted between Iran and Saudi Arabia,” he remarked, referring to the reconciliation talks that culminated in a 2023 détente brokered by China.

Masoud Pezeshkian is scheduled to begin a three-day visit to Iraq on Wednesday at the official invitation of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani.

Throughout this visit, Pezeshkian will hold official meetings with senior Iraqi officials, as well as with Iranian traders and citizens living in Iraq.

Following his official engagements in Baghdad, he plans to travel to the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala.

Additionally, the president will inspect various projects undertaken by Iranian companies in Basra and will visit Erbil and Sulaymaniyah in northern Iraq at the official invitation of the Kurdistan region’s authorities.

During Pezeshkian’s visit, security and economic memorandums of understanding would be signed between the two nations.