TEHRAN - Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Hossein Jaberi Ansari met with Iraqi President Fuad Masum in Baghdad on Sunday.

The latest developments in the Middle East and bilateral relations were discussed in the meeting.

He also invited the Iraqi president, an ethnic Kurd, to attend inauguration ceremony of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani which will be held on August 6.

The Iranian deputy foreign minister also met Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari on Saturday.

Jaberi Ansari, Iran’s point man for Arab affairs, reiterated Tehran’s position in supporting Baghdad in establishing peace and stability in the country. He also congratulates the Iraqis on liberating Mosul.

Jaafari elaborated on Iraq’s victories in fighting terrorists. He also said that Iraq is determined to expand relations with Tehran.

On July 3, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi formally announced the liberation of Mosul.

Jaberi Ansari visited Baghdad on Saturday to attend a new round of Iran-Iraq legal and technical joint committee meeting.

The meeting started on Sunday and is scheduled to be wrapped up on Monday.

Political, legal and military experts from both countries attend the meeting.

Iran provided advisory help to the Iraqi security forces in their three years of war against Daesh militants who were mainly composed of terrorists from different countries as well as former Baathist officers loyal to Saddam Hussein.

Iranian officials have always said that Iran provides the Iraqis with advisory help upon the request of the Iraqi government.

Iran’s Defense Ministry announced in a press release on Saturday that Iran and Iraq are allies in the fight against terrorism.

Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan said after his meeting with his Iraqi counterpart Erfan al-Hiyali in Tehran that Iran considers security in Iraq as its own and will continue supporting the Iraqi government in its endeavor to establish peace and security.

NA/PA