The upcoming visit by President Hassan Rouhani to Baghdad would be a “turning point” in the two countries’ relations after the formation of Iraq’s new government, a senior Iraqi official said.
Rouhani is reportedly set to make his first trip to the neighboring Iraq as president on March 11 at the head of a large delegation.
Iraqi Deputy Foreign Minister Nazar Khairallah said the president’s trip would be “historic” and “important” under the current regional circumstances.
“As the government and people of Iraq, we are looking forward to this trip,” he said in an exclusive interview with IRNA published on Saturday.
He added that the visit has been organized in line with the strategic view of Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi toward Iran relations and can open up new horizons in bilateral ties.
“There are various capacities for cooperation … Expanding relations in such areas as economy and trade would benefit both nations and the region,” he said.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi had earlier traveled to the Arab country to make preparations for Rouhani’s trip.
In the meeting with his Iranian counterpart, Khairallah said they reached broad agreements on fostering closer cooperation.
“During the Iranian president’s trip, we can explore real opportunities for cooperation in trade, economy and reconstruction,” he said.
Preparatory Trips
Prior to Araqchi, Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif, Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh and Governor of the Central Bank of Iran Abdolnaser Hemmati had also visited Baghdad.
Top-ranking Iraqi officials have visited Iran as well, including President Barham Salih who came to Tehran last November.
Rouhani is traveling to Baghdad for the first time during his five years in office at a time when building and preserving ties with the world is of critical importance, in view of the sanctions reimposed by the United States.
After withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal, the US restored sanctions to pressure Iranian leaders to negotiate a new deal.
The strict measures affecting Iran’s oil and banking sectors severely restrict the country’s international trade, hence crippling its economy.
At present, it is essential for Tehran to establish new ties and expand existing ones to counter the effects of such harsh policies.
Iraq gains added importance, as it is the biggest importer of Iranian goods.
Trade volume between Iran and Iraq reaches $12 billion and is projected to reach $20 billion based on a mutual agreement.
