Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said the Iraqis' anti-terror campaign plays a crucial role in promoting regional security.
Ayatollah Khamenei said, "The resistance mounted by the Iraqi nation and government against terrorists has helped protect the security of regional countries," according to the official website of the Leader.
He made the remarks in a meeting with visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi and his accompanying delegation in Tehran on Wednesday evening.
The Leader hailed the courage and resolve demonstrated by the Iraqi youth in the face of terrorism, saying, "An important characteristic of the Iraqi people, which further came to light during the battle with terrorists, is courage, determination and power shown by the popular volunteer forces and valiant nomads in confrontations with the enemy."
He underscored the absolute necessity of remaining vigilant to safeguard Iraq's political and national unity, noting, "The great potential of popular volunteer forces will be very effective and influential for the future and progress of Iraq in different arenas."
Reliable Asset
Ayatollah Khamenei said the existence of terrorists in Iraq is a short-lived event, noting, "Popular volunteer forces are a great asset and a reliable source in different arenas, (which goes) beyond the battlefield."
He said, "Experience of the Iraqi people with British colonialism in the past and with the American expansionism at present indicate that the ill-wishers of the Iraqi nation will never favor the emergence of great popular forces on the scene. Therefore, this popular asset must be protected."
One of the objectives pursued by security and intelligence services of western countries in Iraq is to destroy the pillars of political and national unity in the country, said the Leader, adding, "This conspiracy and efforts to sow discord should be tackled cautiously and attentively, and the Shia-Sunni as well as Kurd-Arab unity in Iraq should not be allowed to be harmed."
"The Islamic Republic of Iran supports the unity of combatant and revolutionary groups in Iraq and it is necessary that Iraqi people and officials vigilantly watch out for divisive attempts by the outsiders."
He reiterated Iran's full support for Iraq's government, pledging, "As before, the Islamic Republic of Iran will continue to back the Iraqi government and people."
The Iraqi prime minister said Iran's continued support for Iraq and the Iranian government's sincere cooperation with his government is indicative of the depth of relations between the two countries.
Abadi said, "Enemies of Iraq have concentrated all their power on creating tribal and religious divisions, but the people and government of Iraq are determined to confront this conspiracy and safeguard national unity."
Noting that the terrorists operating in Iraq and Syria do not distinguish between Shias and Sunnis, he said the perseverance of the Iraqi government and nation has strongly blocked the expansion of the so-called Islamic State in the region, but serious confrontation with these terrorists demands unity among regional countries.
