Iran willing to keep close ties with Iraq

BAGHDAD, Aug. 25 (MNA) – Iran’s FM in a meeting with Iraq's PM-elect has expressed Islamic Republic's willingness for continuation of close ties with Iraq. Mohamamd Javad Zarif met with a number of Iraqi officials on the first day of his two-day visit to Iraq and is scheduled to meet a number of Kurd officials. Zarif and Iraq’s newly appointed Prime Minister Heidar al-Ebadi held meeting on Sunday. Iranian foreign minister congratulated al-Ebadi’s appointment and expressed Iran’s strong support. Zarif further pointed to good relations between Iran and Iraq during al-Maliki’s term and hoped for continuation of such relations between the two countries. He also held a meeting with former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and hailed his great efforts fighting terrorism in Iraq. Iran’s foreign minister went to Kadhimiya Sunday night and will go to Najaf and Karbala on Monday, all for visiting holy shrines of Shia Imams there. He will also have a meeting with Shia Grand Ayatollah Sistani in Najaf on Monday. He will also meet with the Leader of Iraqi Kurdistan Region Nechirvan Barzani and Iraqi Former President Jalal Talebani in Erbil. In a meeting with his Iraqi counterpart, Hoshyar Zebari, Iran’s foreign minister hoped for expansion of relations between both countries in historical, religious and cultural fields and said that strong ties between the two countries would benefit all regional countries. Mohammad Javad Zarif in a meeting with Fouad Massoum said Iran would take any necessary measure to help Iraq. Massoum in this meeting said that there is good cooperation between Shias, Sunnis and Kurds in Iraq and all are determined to work out a strong government. Zarif met with the leader of the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq Ammar al-Hakim and congratulated Iraq for democratic parliament elections in that country. Iran’s foreign minister added that Iranians stay on Iraqi nation’s side, Sunnis, Kurds, Izadis and Christians, fighting terrorism and extremism in their country. Sunday morning Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif traveled to the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, for talks with top Iraqi officials.