A high-ranking defense and military delegation led by the defense minister that is on a visit to Iraq met with a group of top Iraqi commanders headed by Iraqi Defense Minister Khalid al-Obeidi on Tuesday.
In the meeting, the defense chiefs stressed the necessity of increasing defense cooperation to help deal with regional threats, IRNA reported.
The latest developments in Iraq and activities of terrorist groups, particularly the so-called Islamic State (IS), were discussed, with the senior military officials both calling for stepping up the implementation of the agreements between the two countries. This was also emphasized by Hossein Dehqan in his talks with Iraqi Vice President Nouri al-Maliki on Wednesday.
"The expeditious implementation of agreements can prove effective in helping Iraq tackle most of its challenges," Dehqan was quoted by ISNA as saying, voicing Iran's readiness to expand cooperation with Iraq in all fields. He reassured Maliki that Iran will never withdraw support for its neighbor.
"We have frequently announced that the Iranian government and nation will stand by the Iraqi government and nation by all means."
Maliki, for his part, expressed gratitude for Iran's support and urged improved relations between the two neighboring countries. Iran's contribution has always been "considerable, timely and valiant," and its positive impacts have been evident.
"Iran's assistance to help lay the foundation for an independent and powerful indigenous defense industry in Iraq can help pave the way for boosted defense and strategic cooperation to reinvigorate Iraq's armed forces."
Dehqan also sat down with Iraqi National Security Advisor Faleh al-Fayad on Wednesday.
Fayad highlighted Iran's "constructive and effective" role and its "honest" stance toward the crisis-hit country, stressing that Iraq will never forget its neighbor's help. "In the developments in Iraq, Iran demonstrated to all its constructive and effective role as well as its honest stance," the Iraqi official said, adding, "Iran's timely assistance to Iraq in the fight against terrorism will remain in the historical memory of the Iraqis."
