TEHRAN - Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a meeting with Iraqi President Barham Salih in Tehran on Saturday, said that unity among Iraqis is the way for the country to triumph over enemies.

“The only way to fight [enemies’] schemes is to preserve and boost unity among Iraqi groups, including Arabs, Kurds, Shias, and Sunnis,” Ayatollah Khamenei asserted.

“Some states, inside and outside the region, hold deep grudges against Islam, the Shia, the Sunni, and Iraq. They interfere with the internal affairs of Iraq that should be resiliently withstood.”

Leader: I deeply believe in cementing ties with Iraq 

The Leader also stressed bilateral relations with Iraq. “The Islamic Republic’s officials are very serious and determined on expanding ties with Iraq. I, too, deeply believe in it.”

“A dear, powerful, independent, and developed Iraq would be very beneficial to Iran and we will stand by our Iraqi brothers,” he noted.

He also pointed to the victories of the Popular Mobilization Forces (Hashd al-Sha’abi) against terrorism in Iraq and stressed the need to preserve the forces.

Elsewhere in his remarks, the Leader pointed to the Arbaeen pilgrimage to Karbala, saying the hearts of Iranians are full of gratitude to Iraqis for their hospitality during the event.

Salih says meeting with Ayatollah Khamenei is a ‘big pride’

Salih, for his part, said meeting with the Leader of the Islamic Revolution was a “big pride” for him. He added, “I have come to Tehran with a clear and obvious message: that the factors and substances that bond the two nations of Iran and Iraq are rooted in history and are unchangeable.”

He also said the Iraqi government hopes to tap cooperation with Iran to help the reconstruction of Iraq.