Iran's DM Felicitates Iraqi Counterpart on Election

Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan in a message on Tuesday congratulated his Iraqi counterpart Khaled al-Obeidi on his election to the post.

News ID: 60783

Date: 23 October 2014 - 11:00

"I hope that we will witness swift repulsion of the threats posed by the enemies of Iraq's security and stability as well as full destruction of the terrorist groups in that country through increasing integrity and power of the Iraqi armed forces during your tenure," General Dehqan said in his message.

General Dehqan, meantime, reiterated the Iranian Defense Ministry's readiness to broaden defense cooperation with the friendly, neighbor and brother country of Iraq.

The Iranian defense minister also invited his Iraqi counterpart to pay a visit to Iran soon.

Al-Obeidi, a Sunni lawmaker from Mosul, was selected for the post of defense minister, by a vote of 175-85. He had served as an officer in Saddam Hussein's military and holds a PhD in political science.

On Saturday, Iraqi lawmakers approved Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's remaining Cabinet nominees, including for the critical defense and interior portfolios, completing the formation of a government.

Source: Farsnews