Zarif Stresses Iranˈs Support For Iraq

Baghdad, Aug 24, IRNA – Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif reiterated Iranˈs lasting support for the Iraqi nation. Talking to reports upon his arrival here on Sunday, he said Iran will always stay by the Iraqi people. He also said that fighting terrorism called for collective efforts by all countries. Zarif expressed happiness that countries and government are starting to shed their doubtful look towards the terrorist groups. He said terrorism was indeed a common threat to all regional nations, not an ethnic or religious dispute. Referring to the objectives of his visit to Iraq, the foreign minister pointed to the deep and extensive relations existing between the two neighboring countries. He said supporting the process of democracy, territorial integrity and national sovereignty was of prime importance of Iran. The foreign minister highlighted Iranˈs all-time support for lawful administrations in Iraq and voiced happiness over the completion of democratic process in Iraq by the election of president, parliament speaker and the prime minister. Zarif arrived here Sunday morning for a two-day official visit upon the invitation of his Iraqi counterpart Hoshyar Zebari. While in Baghdad, he will hold talks with Zebari on issues of mutual interests, regional developments and the 1975 Algiers Agreement. Zarif is also scheduled to congratulate Haider Al-Abadi on his appointment as the new Iraqi prime minister. The 1975 Algiers Agreement was between Iran and Iraq to settle their border disputes such as the Iranian territorial waters at Arvand Rud and served as the basis for the bilateral treaties signed on 13 June and 26 December 1975./end