TEHRAN – In a meeting between the heads of Iran and Iraq customs administrations, the two sides stressed the need for the expansion of mutual ties, IRNA reported.

During the meeting between the Head of the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration (IRICA) Mohammad Rezvanifar and Head of the Iraqi Customs Authority Hassan Hamoud Hassani, which was held on the sidelines of the Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to Iraq, the two sides examined common customs issues, especially border issues and the existing cooperation capacities to facilitate and develop trade, IRNA reported.

The officials also emphasized signing an agreement on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs affairs.

At the end of the meeting, the text of an agreement, which was discussed with the Iraqi side for two consecutive days, was finalized.

Iran and Iraq signed 14 cooperation documents in various economic, commercial, cultural, and social fields during President Pezeshkian’s visit to the neighboring country.

The cooperation documents were signed in the presence of Pezeshkian and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani in the Iraqi capital.

Heading a high-ranking eco-political delegation, Pezeshkian arrived in Baghdad on Wednesday to start his first foreign visit after taking office in August.

Upon arrival in Baghdad, President Pezeshkian was welcomed by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani and Iran’s ambassador to the neighboring country Mohammad Kazem Al-e Sadeq.

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Photo: Head of Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration Mohammad Rezvanifar (1st R) and Head of Iraqi Customs Authority Hassan Hamoud Hassani (L) hold talks in Baghdad on Thursday.