The interior minister said Iran is keen to expand cooperation with Iraq in security, business and economic areas.
In a meeting with his Iraqi counterpart Mohammed Salem al-Ghabban in Tehran on Saturday, Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli said Iran is prepared to boost ties with Iraq, adding, "Cooperation in security, police, business and economic areas, as well as expansion of provincial relations are just part of mutual cooperation," IRNA reported.
Referring to the historical relations between the two governments and nations, he said Iran makes consistent efforts to help preserve security, stability and integrity in Iraq.
Rahmani Fazli expressed Iran's readiness to provide full support to the Iraqi nation and said, "Advisory assistance in the fight against terrorism is also part of the cooperation."
The interior minister said, "Since the emergence of the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group, Iran has adopted a transparent stance toward the opportunistic policies of western states in dealing with the terrorist group."
Touching on the efforts to bring unity and security to Iraq, the official said, "The wrong policy adopted by some states to back terrorist groups such IS will backfire in their own countries in future."
He added, "Iran is also prepared for cooperation with Iraq to exchange police information, experience and expertise, combat smuggling goods and illicit drugs and fight organized crime."
Expressing satisfaction with his visit to Tehran and meetings with Iranian officials, the Iraqi interior minister referred to the formation of the new government in Iraq and the consequent solidarity in the country and said, "The role of volunteer forces and the army in Iraq in the fight against terrorism is of great significance."
Ghabban expressed gratitude for Iran's assistance and moral support to his country, which were provided to help bring stability and peace to the Arab state.
After the meeting, the two ministers attended a joint press conference and answered questions on various issues. In response to a question on the US-led coalition created to fight terrorism, the Iraqi official said, "Despite the fact that Iran is not a member of the international coalition against the IS, we welcome any international aid offered to Iraq, since the IS poses a real threat to the political system in the country."
Ghabban noted that Iraq does not reject assistance by any country and praises Iran for its extensive support. Rahmani Fazli also said officials from both neighboring states are making serious joint efforts to improve security in the Arab country.
