Iran, Iraq Reaffirm Determination to Broaden Ties in Joint Statement

 The statement issued on Tuesday during Rouhani’s official visit to Iraq, described the warm welcoming of the Iranian president by Iraq as the indicator of the depth of close relations between the two countries in all fields of mutual interest.

“Iraq stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran was the first country that helped Iraq for fighting terrorism with its logistic and consulting assistance and stood by the country in the fight against terrorism, and appreciated the Islamic Republic of Iran’s stance in helping Iraq,” the statement readd, according to the Iranian president’s official website.

“The two sides held important dialogues in a brotherly, friendly and constructive atmosphere and expressed their willingness to develop political, security, economic, health, trade, cultural, scientific and technological cooperation,” it added.

“The two sides also discussed a number of regional issues, common challenges, fighting terrorism, cooperation for strengthening security and stability in the region and establishing economic cooperation that are to the benefit of regional interests and welfare of the peoples of the region,” the statement noted.

“The two sides also stressed their firm resolve to combat terrorism and organized transnational crimes that pose threats to security and peace of the region.”

The statement continued, “The two sides also discussed issues of interest and signed memoranda of understanding in oil, trade, health, rail transportation between Shalamcheh and Basra, as well as issuing visas for tradespeople and investors of the two countries."

“The two sides agreed that tourism, pilgrimage and commerce visas will be free of charge for the citizens of both countries starting from April 1, 2019,” it concluded.

Heading a high-ranking delegation, Rouhani arrived in Baghdad on Monday at the official invitation of the Iraqi government. It is Rouhani’s first official visit to Iraq during his tenure.

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