Iran, Iraq stress closer ties

Deputy Iraqi President Abdel Adulmahdi conferred in Iran Saturday with Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki on issues of mutual interest and developments in Iran-Iraq relations.

The Iraqi official thanked Iran for its support of Iraqi nation at various times, notably, "with regards to political developments in Iraq." "We believe that Iran-Iraq friendly ties are a strategic issue and beneficial for both states as well as the region as a whole." "Some people strive to inflame sectarian and religious tension with the aim of sowing discord between Tehran and Baghdad," he added.

"However, we, by bolstering political, economic and cultural cooperation will not let them realize their aims," the Iraqi official underlined.

He also referred to the second session of joint high cooperation commission saying it will take new and bold step to expand bilateral relations.

"We regard Iran's capabilities as beneficial to all in the region and base our bilateral relations on that principle." Mottaki also referred to his latest trip to Iraq saying Iran is ready to implement all the signed agreements.

"We hope that with the completion of Nouri al-Maliki's cabinet the trend will be expedited." He said coordination with the Iraqi foreign ministry on the holding the 9th Iraq neighbors conference has been made and expressed hope that the session could play an influential role in support of the new government in Baghdad and strengthen stability in the country.

Mottaki also expressed hope that the issue of freedom for Iranian prisoners in Iraq be resolved soon.

Returning from his 2-day visit to Iraq last week, Mottaki told reporters in Ilam, there is a collective intention among regional countries for establishment of full security in Iraq.

In this concern, Iraq's neighboring countries meeting, plus Egypt, will be held in Tehran soon, Mottaki added.

He also announced the establishment of Iran-Iraq ties supreme headquarter in near future which Iran's first VP and Iraq's PM will preside over it.

Mottaki said the foreign ministry is negotiating with Iraqi side to open Iran's consulates in Basra, Arbil and Sulaymaniyeh.

He said on Monday that participation of Iraq's neighbors, as well as regional countries, is necessary in order to strengthen security and stability there.

He added, "We believe any type of collective measure would be a step forward towards achieving security in Iraq."