Relations between Iran and neighboring Iraq are in the best state at present in spite of opposition and hostility by third parties such as the United States and Saudi Arabia, a former diplomat said.
“In Iraq, there are people in power with a positive view toward Iran at present who pursue the expansion of ties regardless of foreign pressure and seem to have the required will as well,” Sadeq Kharrazi also wrote in a recent article published by the Iranian Diplomacy news website.
According to the expert, Tehran and Baghdad are going through the most critical period in their history of relations.
The recent elections in Iraq, which helped establish a stable democracy in the Arab state, can bring the two countries closer thanks to the shared experience of having a popular government, the former envoy to France explained.
"While Iran is under tough economic pressure by the US, closer bonds with Iraq can provide a reliable source of relief to the country’s economy," Kharrazi’s article noted.
“[Foreign Minister] Mohammed Javad Zarif, during his visit to Iraq at the head of a political and economic delegation, was accompanied by around 50 investors, businesspeople, entrepreneurs and manufacturers, indicating the special importance of this country for Iran.”
Zarif on Thursday wrapped up a five-day tour of Iraq aimed at bolstering bilateral cooperation.
Iraq’s Willingness
The warm welcome by Iraqi and Kurdish officials also signaled their strong willingness to further improve economic, political and security relations with Iran, Kharrazi wrote.
“Iran-Iraq trade reached $12 billion over the past 12 months and could rise to $20 billion, which is the two countries’ objective, if obstacles are removed and facilities are provided for businesspeople,” he added.
The foreign policy expert noted that by taking into account all direct and indirect transactions, mutual trade has the potential of reaching $30 billion a year.
Besides, the two neighbors are each other’s top tourism markets.
“Based on statistics, over seven million tourists travel between the two countries, which can increase to 10 million a year with financial assistance and travel facilitation through measures such as visa waivers,” Kharrazi said.
Zarif said that during his recent visit, Iran intends to relax visa requirements for Iraqi businesspeople, according to Kharrazi who described it as a step forward in developing tourism ties.
The foreign minister also made preparations for a trip by Iran's President Hassan Rouhani to Baghdad which is due to be made on March 11.
Kharrazi said it would be a “giant step” in bringing the neighbors closer and a “complement to Zarif’s tour.”
“Increased mutual diplomatic and economic visits can play a major role in strengthening bilateral relations and alleviating US pressure on both Iran and Iraq,” he said.
The US sanctions reimposed after US President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal are aimed at cutting Tehran off the global market.
Washington has also urged Baghdad to reduce its dependence on Iranian energy and stop its imports by a March deadline.
