Iran content with Iraq’s growing power: Supreme Leader

TEHRAN, April 24 (MNA) – Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said that the Islamic Republic of Iran is satisfied with the growing power of Iraq in the region and the Arab world. The Leader made the remarks during a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki in Tehran on Monday. He said that some developments in recent months epitomized the power of the Iraqi nation and government in the Arab world. The full withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraqi soil is one of these events, which was a great and important success, which was achieved through the will and resistance of the Iraqi government and people, he stated. Hosting the Arab League’s summit was another example which showed Iraq’s growing power, he said, adding, “Certain sides made enormous efforts to show that Iraq is outside the Arab world, but with holding the Arab League’s summit in Baghdad, Iraq is currently at the top of the league, and the Iraqi prime minister has assumed the presidency of the Arab League.” In addition, Ayatollah Khamenei said that the future for the Iraqi people is brighter than the current situation. For his part, Maliki said that Iran-Iraq relations in various areas have increased and economic delegations hold regular meetings. Maliki also expressed hope that his talks in Tehran would prepare the ground for increased cooperation between Tehran and Baghdad.