Iranian President, Iraqi PM Call For Promotion Of Bilateral Ties

Tehran, April 23, IRNA – Iran and Iraq here on Sunday stressed the need to use all capacities available to upgrade mutual ties and solve regional problems in favor of nations and establish peace and justice. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad told Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki here Sunday that strong ties between Tehran and Baghdad would leave no excuses for enemies including the US and the Zionist Regime of Israel. Terming Tehran-Baghdad relations as 'special and exceptional' in the region and the world, Ahmadinejad said no obstacle and limitation do exist on the way of all-out expansion of political, economic and cultural relations between Tehran and Baghdad. The president went on to say that by God's grace, the Iranian and Iraqi nations will make progress along with each other and while maintaining their vigilance will defend their independence. Stressing that the arrogant powers and enemies of the Iranian and Iraqi nations are worried and unhappy with the strength and independence of the two countries, Ahmadinejad said the domineering powers, which have in the past been dealt severe blows by the two nations are conspiring to keep the two countries weak so as to dominate whole the region. Today, he added, all historical, cultural and political factors in the Iran-Iraq relations require both sides to move towards progress and prosperity of both nations, he added. Maliki for his part said Iran and Iraq can take giant steps towards success of their nations./end