TEHRAN – Defense Minister Amir Hatami held a phone conversation with his Iraqi counterpart Erfan al-Hiyali on Monday to discuss expansion of bilateral ties and safety of Arbaeen pilgrims.

During the conversation, Hatami congratulated the Iraqi army and Popular Mobilization Forces on recent victories against terrorism and underlined Tehran’s determination to improve ties with Iraq, IRNA reported.

The defense minister also discussed the safety of Arbaeen pilgrims, thanking the Iraqi forces for their efforts in providing the security in the area.

MH/PA