TEHRAN - Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid has held a meeting with the acting Iranian President Mohammad Mokhber, saying that the most important achievement of late President Ebrahim Raisi was enhancing ties with neighbors.

Abdul Latif Rashid along with several former prime ministers, and the heads of several political parties arrived in Tehran on Saturday to offer condolences on the martyrdom of President Raisi to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei.

President Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, and six other officials lost their lives during a helicopter crash in northwestern Iran on May 19. Initial reports suggested the incident happened due to severe weather conditions. A subsequent report by Iran’s Armed Forces confirmed that no sign of foul play has been found so far.

During the meeting with Iraqi President, Mokhber underscored the great actions and important achievements of President Raisi, adding that the late president attached great importance to relations with Iraq.

"No doubt that the strategy of Iran towards the government and people of Iraq, which was pursued by President Raisi, will continue with utmost power from now on," Mokhber underscored.

"His martyrdom was a great loss and unparalleled tragedy not only for the Iranian nation but also for the Iraqi nation and the entire region," the Iraqi president said, for his part, after offering condolences to the Iranian people and government. 

Rashid further stressed that the Iraqi government and nation will stand by the government and nation of Iran in this difficult period. 

He also emphasized his country's determination to continue relations and cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran and said that "our strong relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran will continue with force and we will take all necessary measures to strengthen the level of these relations."

Officials from at least 68 countries traveled to Iran on Wednesday to attend a memorial ceremony for the late president and his companions. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani was among the foreign leaders received in Tehran. The PM also held a meeting with Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, during which he offered his deep condolences over the tragedy. 

President Raisi, Minister Amir Abdollahian, and others lost during the copper crash were laid to rest on Thursday after days of funeral rites. Millions of citizens took to the streets across Iran to pay their respects.