Iran Able to Have Final Say in Iraqi Market

"All the Iraqi ethnic groups are interested in cooperation with Iranian industry men and traders," Masjedi said on Wednesday, addressing the Iran-Iraq joint chamber of commerce in Baghdad.

The envoy pointed to eight billion dollars worth of trade exchanges between Iran and Iraq, and said, "Institutionalization of political and cultural relations with Iraq is the secret of success in this country's big market."

"Despite having various problems, Iran can have the final say in Iraq's market," Masjedi underscored.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi in a phone conversation with Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani in August called for continued cooperation with Tehran in economic and trade fields.

"Iran and Iraq can broaden their relations in the fields of economy and trade," al-Abadi said during the phone talk.

The Iraqi prime minister, meantime, appreciated Iran's support for the Iraqi government and people in the war against terrorism.