Spokesman: Iraqi PM’s Visit to Iran Aimed at Broadening Economic Ties, Anti-Terrorism Cooperation
TEHRAN (FNA)- Iranian Government Spokesman Ali Rabiyee said on Tuesday that the current visit by Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi to Tehran is highly important for the two countries’ efforts to further develop economic relations and anti-terrorism cooperation.
“Mr. al-Kadhimi’s visit is aimed at strengthening relations between Iran and Iraq and we have a strategic background too. Annihilation of the ISIL terrorists, obviation of environmental threats and foreign currency exchanges are among the important bilateral issues,” Rabiyee told reporters in Tehran.
He dismissed al-Khazimi’s mediation between Iran and Saudi Arabia or Iran and the US for resumption of ties, saying that “we welcome all proposals” but do not accept any mediation for relations with Washington.
Rabiyee also said that Iran will certainly legally pursue the US assassination of former IRGC Quds Force Commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani and punishment of the culprits behind it in talks with the Iraqi side.
Al-Kadhimi arrived in Tehran on Tuesday. The Iraqi prime minister is to meet with top Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei.
Chairman of Iran-Iraq Joint Chamber of Commerce Yahya Al-e Es’haq said on Tuesday that the two countries are seeking to attain $20 billion worth of bilateral trade exchanges.
He pointed to the visit of al-Kadhimi to Iran today, and said, “The visit of Iraqi prime minister to Iran will play a very constructive and important role in developing and strengthening trade ties between the two neighboring countries.”
During the Iraqi prime minister’s visit to Iran, planning to reach the horizon of $20 billion bilateral trade between Iran and Iraq will also be discussed, Al-e Es’haq added.
He further noted that economic issues will include a major part of the Iraqi prime minister’s visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Iraq’s debt to Iran on importing electricity and energy will be the other important issues that will be discussed between Iranian and Iraqi officials, he said, adding, “agreements have already been made on the repayment of Iraq’s about $3 billion debt to the Islamic Republic of Iran, which is gradually being implemented, and during this trip, its payment system will be examined clearly.”
