Iran, Iraq Keen to Widen Mutual Cooperation

(FNA)- Iranian and Iraqi officials in a meeting in Baghdad on Saturday called for the further expansion of bilateral ties and cooperation.

During the meeting in the Iraqi capital today, Iranian Justice Minister Mostafa Pour Mohammadi and Head of the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq (ISCI) Ammar al-Hakim explored avenues for bolstering and reinvigorating mutual cooperation in different areas.

The two sides reiterated the necessity for broadening the relations between Tehran and Baghdad in all the various fields.

The Iranian justice minister pointed to Iraq's parliamentary elections, and said, "I hope that the future elections in Iraq will consolidate the trend of democracy in the country."

Al-Hakim, for his part, underlined the need for the expansion of all-out ties between the two Muslim neighboring states, and said that the two countries play an important role in regional developments.

The ISCI chief also referred to the upcoming Iraqi parliamentary elections, and said, "Iraq's parliamentary elections in the near future will show people's presence in decision-makings and guarantee stability and security of Iraq."

Pour Mohammadi arrived in Baghdad on Tuesday to discuss bilateral ties and regional developments with the senior Iraqi officials. The Iranian justice minister's visit to Iraq takes place at the invitation of his Iraqi counterpart.

Iran and Iraq have enjoyed growing ties ever since the overthrow of the former Iraqi dictator, Saddam Hussein, during the 2003 US invasion of the Muslim country.