In comments at a joint press conference with his Iraqi and Pakistani counterparts on Monday, Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Mo’meni said the outcome of the constructive trilateral meeting is expected to facilitate the travels of Arbaeen pilgrims and result in better services in the transportation, security and health sectors.
He said the presence of high-level Iraqi and Pakistani delegations in Iran indicates the determination of the three nations to hold the event in commemoration of Arbaeen magnificently.
Arbaeen, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, comes 40 days after Ashura, the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS), the third Shiite Imam.
Each year, a huge crowd of Shiites flock to the Iraqi city of Karbala, where the holy shrine of Imam Hussein (AS) is located, to perform mourning rites.
Iran and Iraq have signed agreements to remove visa restrictions for the Arbaeen pilgrims, raise the level of services and facilities for the pilgrims, and enhance border security during the pilgrimage season, which will culminate in a large gathering in Karbala on August 14.