TEHRAN – Late on Wednesday Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi met Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in Tehran in which Rouhani called relations with Iraq “strategic”

During the meeting, Rouhani also said the growing relations will ensure benefits for both countries as well as for other regional states.

He also reiterated Tehran’s position for unity among different Iraqi groups called for unified action against those who seek disintegration.

The president went on to assert that Iran will stand by Iraq in its fight against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

For his part, the Iraqi Prime Minister thanked Iran for its support and said Baghdad will use help from its friends to win the fight against ISIL.

------ Jahangiri says Iran fully supports peace and stability in Iraq

Iranian First Vice-President Es’haq Jahangiri said Tehran has always stood beside Iraq and fully supports peace and stability in the country.

Commenting on the ISIL movements in Iraq and Syria, he said that the terrorist group should be countered through cooperation and united position.

In his meeting with al-Abadi, the vice president also said Iran seeks close relations with Iraq in various areas given the two countries’ historical and cultural commonalities.

Al-Abadi also said that the purpose of his trip was to expand relations with Iran. He also stated that the two countries should cooperate in fighting against terrorism.

----- Shamkhani Security can be restored to Iraq in a short time ---

Given the capacities in Iraq, security can be resorted to the country in short period of time, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council chief Ali Shamkhani said in a separate meeting with al-Abadi.

Referring to the terrorist groups’ activities in the Mideast region, the top security official said the fight against terrorists requires cooperation among the crises-stricken countries.

He also said that security and stability will be restored to Iraq by the Iraqi people and the country’s army.

Al-Abadi said his country attaches great importance to expansion of cooperation between the two countries in political, economic and security areas.



NA/SP