TEHRAN – Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi said on Monday that his country is ready to create a joint economic zone with Iran.

During a meeting with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in Baghdad, Abdul-Mahdi said that the joint region can be like the industrial region Iraq has with Jordan.

He noted that expansion of relations is beneficial for both countries.

For his part, Araqchi expressed hope that the two countries would expand ties. He also told reporters that Iranian President Hassan Rouhani plans to visit Iraq in the near future.

He noted that Rouhani’s visit will be a turning point in bilateral relations.

Good agreements will be signed during Rouhani’s visit, he added.

NA/PA