“Iran has always been a friend and companion of the Iraqi government and nation on the hard path of fighting against terrorism, and we are grateful to the Iranian government and nation.” Salih said in a Sunday meeting with Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani in Baghdad.
Salih also warned that the threat of rise of the Daesh (ISIS) terrorist group is quite “serious”, calling for the promotion of cooperation with Iran in various fields, particularly in the battle against terrorism and extremism.
He further pointed to the recent “legitimate” protests in Iraq, saying reforms in his country are a necessary issue and the Baghdad government must turn the challenges into opportunities by fulfilling the popular demands.
Stressing the need for an immediate election of a new prime minister and formation of a new government in Iraq, Salih said “national unity” is the sole way to overcome the current crisis in the Arab country.
Heading a high-ranking political and security delegation, Shamkhani arrived in Baghdad on Saturday for a two day visit that included negotiations with senior Iraqi officials on regional developments and on Tehran-Baghdad relations.