TEHRAN – Iran and Iraq have jointly appealed to the international community to help end the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. 

During a state visit to Iraq, Iran's acting Foreign Minister Ali Baqeri Kani met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. The meeting included discussions on regional and international issues, focusing on the severe consequences of the Israeli regime's actions in Gaza.

The officials also reviewed cooperation in security, education, energy, and transportation, and emphasized the need to follow up on existing agreements in these areas.

Baqeri Kani expressed gratitude to Iraq for its role in enhancing regional stability and affirmed Iran's willingness to support Iraq's development road project. 

Prime Minister al-Sudani offered condolences for the loss of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his entourage in a recent helicopter crash.

Bagheri Kani arrived in Baghdad on Thursday morning on a two-day trip for talks with top Iraqi officials.

He reiterated Iran's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in the economic sector and addressing regional security challenges.

Baqeri Kani emphasizes strengthening ties with Iraq

During a joint press conference with Iraq's Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, Iran's acting Foreign Minister underscored the importance of bolstering strategic relations with Iraq. 

He expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by Iraqi officials and acknowledged their condolences over the recent loss of two senior Iranian figures, President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian.

Baqeri emphasized the deep cultural and civilizational ties between Iran and Iraq, asserting that their cooperation is vital for the security, stability, and progress of both nations. 

He stated, "Our cooperation and solidarity are eternal, and the bond between our two nations benefits the security, stability, and progress of both countries."

Baqeri aligned Iran and Iraq's stance on Israeli actions, calling for an end to the "Zionists' genocide" and emphasizing support for the people of Gaza. He warned of possible further aggression by Zionists and reiterated Iran's commitment to regional peace and security.

Baqeri criticized U.S. actions, stating that true political initiatives require stopping support for the Zionists. He called for an immediate end to war crimes in Gaza and unconditional aid to its people.

In his meeting with Fuad Hussein, Baqeri said they discussed a wide range of bilateral, regional, and international issues. He highlighted the strategic cooperation between the two countries and their roles as pillars of regional stability.

Iraq’s Foreign Minister highlighted the importance of enhancing security relations with Iran and expressed optimism about advancing bilateral ties. The discussions also covered the security situation in Gaza and regional stability.

The top Iranian diplomat and his accompanying delegation also paid tribute to the late commanders Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis near Baghdad airport. His diplomatic mission aimed to strengthen relations across all sectors with Iraqi officials, focusing on mutual interests and regional stability.

Bagheri Kani also held talks with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid, exchanging views on the latest regional and international issues.

As part of his trip, the top diplomat met with Head of the Supreme Judicial Council Judge Faiq Zidan on the day.

During the meeting, both sides called for expanding judicial relations.

Iraqi Kurdistan PM meets Baqeri Kani, expresses hope for future cooperation

Baqeri Kani also met with the Iraqi Kurdistan’s Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, emphasizing the significance of bolstering economic and trade relations. 

Discussions also addressed security challenges and regional stability, with both sides agreeing on the benefits of stability for all regional countries.

Also speaking in a joint press conference with Prime Minister Barzani in Erbil on Friday, Baqeri Kani appreciated the Kurdistan Regional Government for expressing sympathy over the loss of President Raisi and his entourage.

“Religious, cultural, and historical commonalities have created an unbreakable bond between the two countries,” Baqeri noted.

“Enemies do not want to see our stability and peace in Iran, Iraq, and the region, but the vigilance of the leaders and high-ranking officials of Iran and Iraq, and especially the friends and brothers in the region, will not allow them to abuse the situation,” he stated.

In another meeting, Baqeri Kani and President of Kurdistan region Nechervan Idris Barzani reviewed issues of mutual interest.

Bagheri Kani arrived in Erbil on Friday morning and was welcomed by Rebar Ahmed Khalid, the Minister of Interior of the Iraqi Kurdistan.

Iran acting FM highlights synergistic relationship between Tehran, Baghdad

In a meeting with Iraq’s National Wisdom Movement leader Sayyid Ammar al-Hakim, Baqeri Kani highlighted the synergistic relationship between Iran and Iraq. He stressed that their cooperation benefits the Islamic world and the region at large.

The leader of Iraq’s National Wisdom Movement also lauded the good neighborliness policy of Iran under the late President Raisi and expressed hopes that the policy would continue.