Iranian Diplomat, Iraq’s Ammar Hakim Discuss Closer Ties
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Seyed Abbas Araqchi and Head of Iraq’s Reform and Reconstruction Coalition Seyed Ammar al-Hakim held talks on a range of issues, including ways to boost Tehran-Baghdad relations in various spheres.
In a statement on Monday night, Hakim’s office announced that the cleric met with Araqchi and his accompanying delegation and discussed closer ties between the two neighboring countries.
Araqchi and Hakim also exchanged views on the latest political developments in the Middle East and highlighted the importance of dialogue to resolve regional issues, according to the statement.
Earlier on Monday, Araqchi had met with Prime Minister of Iraq Adil Abdul-Mahdi in Baghdad.
In the gathering, Araqchi and Abdul-Mahdi discussed ways to broaden the economic and trade ties between Iran and Iraq and also issues surrounding water sources, common border, and visa regulations, and voiced willingness to reach a clear agreement which would fairly serve the interests of both nations.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani plans to visit neighboring Iraq in the near future.
His visit would come against the backdrop of Iran’s efforts to boost its foreign trade in the US sanctions era.
Iraq’s foreign minister said recently that his country is “not obliged” to abide by sanctions imposed by the US against Iran and would be pursuing options to continue bilateral trade.
President of Iraq Barham Salih paid a visit to Tehran in November 2018 with a ranking delegation for a series of political and economic talks.
