Tehran, Baghdad Serious About Uplifting Ties

President Ebrahim Raisi in a meeting with Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi on Wednesday said both countries are determined to boost relations. 
“Nothing can break up the deep and friendly relations between the people of Iran and Iraq, we’re friends during tough times,” Raisi was quoted as saying by his website. 
Halbousi, leading a delegation, arrived in Tehran on Wednesday morning to meet top Iranian officials and was warmly welcomed by parliament’s second deputy Ali Nikzad.
After congratulating the Iraqi parliament speaker on his reelection for a second term, Raisi said, “We hope the Iraqi parliament enacts laws that prevent the formation of threats to security that can destabilize the region.”
“The Iraqi parliament can be a place to expand parliamentary cooperation with neighboring and regional nations,” the president said, adding that the Islamic Republic of Iran will not hesitate to assist the country in any way possible.
Raisi wished for the speedy formation of a new government and appointment of a president that can fast-track progress in Iraq. 
The Iraqi official stated that both neighbors had gone through testing years and they can build a better future for their people through cooperation and collaboration. 
“I will make efforts so that Iran and Iraq can be friends in tough times and in peaceful times,” he said. 
Halbousi also met with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf on Wednesday morning and stressed the necessity for expansion of ties. 
“We need to try more than ever to solve regional problems and return to normal conditions so our nations can grow closer,” the Iraqi official said. 
He noted that the two neighboring countries can cooperate and support each other when it comes to shared interests in the international scene. 
“Iraq’s constitution has given the parliament the authority to remove obstacles in the way of economic and trade relations,” he added. 
Qalibaf in turn spoke of an unbreakable bond with Baghdad and said, “It’s our heart’s desire to establish a powerful Iraq, a powerful Iran and to facilitate bilateral and international ties.”
This was the second time the Iraqi official traveled to Tehran in the past four years. After meetings with Raisi and Qalibaf, Halbousi was scheduled to meet Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian as well as the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council on his one-day trip.