Zarif: President Talabani Symbol Of Iran-Iraq Co-op

Baghdad, Sept 8, IRNA –Visiting Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Sunday that Iraqi President Jalal Talabani is the symbol of Iran-Iraq cooperation. In a meeting with the Iraqi acting president Khudair al-Khuzai, he described the positive developments in Iraq, holding municipal councils elections in particular, as in line with strengthening democratic institutions in Iraq. Zarif lauded Iraqi stance about the regional issues, especially the issue of Syria, which is based on foresightedness. He hoped that Iran and Iraq will play their due role in the main issues of the region, the Syrian crisis in particular, and prevent the spread of extremism and sectarian conflict in the region. He said that roads and railway transit, oil and gas as well as energy are the main areas of cooperation between the two nations, and voiced Iranian readiness to promote collaboration with the Arab neighbor in the fields. Al-Khuzai, for his part, said that Tehran-Baghdad ties are at high level, hoping that the visit paid by the Iranian foreign minister will usher in a new chapter in mutual cooperation. He voiced concern about the development of extremism and tribal conflicts in the region. Heading a high-ranking delegation, Zarif arrived in Baghdad Sunday morning on a one day visit./end