Speaking at a joint press conference with his Iraqi counterpart Barham Salih in Baghdad on Monday, Rouhani described Iraq as major Islamic and Arab nation in the region, saying, “Iraq can play a significant role in regional security and the relations among regional countries.”
Voicing Iran’s determination for alliance and partnership with Iraq, the president said the Islamic Republic attaches significance to security and democracy of Iraq, stressing that a stable Iraq would contribute to security across the whole region.
The Iranian president also highlighted the opportunities for mutual cooperation with Iraq, saying the two neighbors can work on trade, joint investment, establishment of joint industrial districts and border markets, tourism industry, energy industry, banking ties, construction of railroad tracks and environmental issues.
For his part, the Iraqi president underlined that his country should never become a scene of regional or international conflicts and disputes.
Defeat of terrorism has not been yet completed in Iraq, Salih added, calling for concerted action to uproot terrorism in his country.
He went on to say that Iran and Iraq are going to sign a number of major agreements that would serve the interests of the two nations.
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.
Back in November 2018, the Iraqi president made a visit to Tehran with a ranking delegation for a series of political and economic talks.