Iraq's former prime minister and current vice president met with Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei in Tehran on Monday.
Ayatollah Khamenei lauded Nouri al-Maliki's "great job" which helped prevent instability in Iraq during the power transition process.
“During the period of power transition in Iraq, you (Maliki) did a great job to prevent turmoil and instability in the country, and the move will never fade into oblivion in Iraq,” IRNA quoted him as saying.
The leader also said, “Your approach to support Mr. Haider al-Abadi’s new administration and efforts to create unity among different Iraqi groups is a very good move that should be continued.”
The visiting Iraqi vice president, for his part, thanked Iran for supporting and assisting the Iraqi nation and government in their fight against "terrorists and foreign mercenaries."
Maliki was Iraq's premier since May 2007 until he stepped down in August this year to make way for new Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi.
Maliki also held a meeting with his Iranian counterpart Es'haq Jahangiri on the same day. The two officials called for expansion of cooperation between Tehran and Baghdad in order to "confront enemies" in the region.
Jahangiri said Tehran closely follows developments in Iraq and "considers stability and security in that country just like those of its own."
"Tehran believes collective security and stability in the region can only be achieved through joint regional cooperation."
