Iran Backs Stability, Security In Iraq: FM

Tehran, Oct 9, IRNA – Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Tuesday that based on its principled policies, Iran supports stability, security and sustainable growth in Iraq and Tehran will make use of all its capabilities to help the Iraqi government. In a meeting with Head of the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq Ammar al-Hakim, Zarif referred to his good meetings with Iraqi officials and religious leaders during his visit to Iraq, saying Iraq could play an influential role in regional and international developments. The foreign minister hailed efforts made by al-Hakim to bring about national solidarity among different political groups in Iraq. Referring to abundant commonalities between the two countries as a base for bilateral friendly ties, Zarif called for enhanced economic cooperation between Tehran and Baghdad. He strongly condemned terrorist bombings taking place across Iraq killing innocent people in the country. Zarif voiced Iranian support for international campaign against terrorism. Meanwhile, the Iraqi official welcomed remarks by President Hassan Rohani during his recent New York visit and his new approach toward the world. Al-Hakim called Iran as an influential country with an ancient history to help restore peace, stability and security in the region. He expressed support for Iranian right to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, saying constructive and confidence-building dialogue between Iran and the Western countries would put an end to the dispute over the national nuclear program. He called for expansion of relations between the two neighboring countries, particularly in trade and economic areas. He invited Iranian public and private sectors to participate in carrying out Iraqi development projects./end