Baghdad calls for strengthening of ties with Tehran

Iraqi Deputy Foreign Minister Saad al-Hayani called for more coordination between Iranian and Iraqi foreign ministers to bolster mutual cooperation. Al-Hayani visiting in Iran further told Iranian foreign minister's special envoy for Iraqi affairs Ali-Asghar Khaji that his country plans to host more Iranian pilgrims to Iraqi holy sites following improvement of security conditions there.

Khaji voiced concern over continued arrest and imprisonment of Iranian nationals in Iraq, calling on Iraqi officials to pay serious attention to the issue and take necessary action for their release.