Iran, Iraq to strengthen border ties

TEHRAN, Feb. 15 (MNA) – Iran's Police Chief has deemed Iran-Iraq cross border transactions as influential in promoting regional security. Brigadier General Hossein Ashtari, Commander of Iran's Law Enforcement Police, met and talked with Hamid Abdullah Ibrahim, Head of the Border Forces Command of Iraq, here on Monday expressing hope that the meeting will escalate border ties between the two countries. “Iranian nation and authorities hold heartfelt sympathy to the neighbor and friend country of Iran,” he added. Ashtari further noted that “we attach great importance to Iraq’s security as an influential factor in the stability of Iran as well as the region.” He referred to the presence of terrorist groups in some areas of Iraq expressing readiness to offer all necessary assistance in confronting terrorism as emphasized by the Iran's Leader of Islamic Revolution. “The Isliamc world remains proud of the perseverance of Iraqi people in the fight against terrorist and Takfiri groups,” said the official expressing hope that the plots of global arrogance headed by the US who strengthens terrorist groups will be revealed to the world.” Brig. Gen. Hossein Ashtari also appreciated the hospitality of Iraqi people and officials particularly the neighboring country’s Border Forces Command during the secure and successful ceremony of Arbaeen walking and mourning rituals in Iraqi holy cities. “Border security can improve with expansion of cooperation between Iran and Iraq,” concluded Iranian official. Iraqi Head of the Border Forces Command Hamid Abdullah Ibrahim, for his part, said “Iran and Iraq possess deep-rooted ties and no arrogant power can interfere with the good relations between the two countries.” “Iran remains as the only supporter of Iraq in the fight against terrorist groups and ISIL,” noted Abdullah Ibrahim appreciating the insightful backing of Iran’s Leader. Touching upon the resistance of Iraqi people against terrorism, he stated “Iraq has achieved victories in dealing with terrorists with the help of the Islamic Republic of Iran.” “Border interactions between Iran and Iraq have yielded positive results,” highlighted the official maintaining “Iraq’s priorities include fight against trafficking, improving border security as well as increasing cross-border relations.” He referred to the massive Arbaeen symbolic trek stressing “the security of the event was rooted in mutual and cooperative interaction between both countries and pilgrims will hopefully enjoy more excellent services in the following years.”