Iran Parliament Pushing for Closer Trade with Iraq: Speaker
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf unveiled plans for the expansion of trade ties with Iraq, which he described as a strategic partner of Iran.
In a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi in Tehran on Wednesday, Qalibaf said the new Iranian Parliament has devised plans for an evolution of the country’s foreign and international trade.
One of the Parliament’s main priorities is promoting trade and economic relations with Iraq, as a strategic partner, and with other neighbors, he added.
Qalibaf further condemned the US assassination of top Iranian commander Lt. General Qassem Soleimani in Iraq, saying such a crime is not a simple issue and the assassination case must be pursued vigorously.
“We believe that the region will not achieve stability as long as foreign forces are present in the region,” the speaker said, adding, “We also believe that a strong and developed Iraq would be a significant model for bilateral and regional relations.”
For his part, al-Kadhimi praised Iran for supporting the Iraqi government and nation in the fight against terrorism and Daesh, saying Baghdad is determined to enhance the economic, cultural and security relations with Tehran.
The Iranian and Iraqi governments and parliaments must hold consultations to boost relations in a way that would benefit the two nations, he underlined.
On Tuesday, al-Kadhimi met with Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei.
In the gathering, the Leader voiced the Islamic Republic’s support for al-Kadhimi’s government, saying, “Wisdom, religion and experience require the expansion of Iran-Iraq relations. Obviously, such relations have opponents; leading them is the US. But, one should never fear the US at all, because the US can't do a single thing."
