Iraqi DM Highlights Iran's Key Role in Counter-Terrorism Efforts
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iraqi defense minister underlined Iran's significant role in the war against terrorist groups, calling for closer regional cooperation to eradicate terrorism.
"In a bid to fight terrorism and eradicate it we (Iraqi officials) see no option before us but to cooperate with Iran," Khalid al-Obeidi said in a joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan here in Tehran on Tuesday.
Pointing to the impacts of security conditions in Iraq on its neighboring states, Obeidi said, “It is necessary to expand cooperation, because we have common enemy (terrorism) and it threatens everyone, and the threat is serious for all sides."
As regards his visit to Tehran, Obeidi described it as "a good starting point for expanding bilateral ties and mutual cooperation."
Obeidi said he and his Iranian counterpart conferred on the conditions in Iraq, especially the security conditions, and exchanged views on ways to resolve existing problems .
Obeidi arrived in Iran on Monday for an official visit at the invitation of Brigadier General Dehqan and held two rounds of negotiations with the Iranian official.
Defense ministers of the two neighboring countries also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to boost defense cooperation.
Iran is known as the first country to help the Arab country in its fight against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist group that has made swift advances in much of northern and western Iraq.
