Iran-Iraq relations took center stage Wednesday as Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf arrived in Baghdad.
Ghalibaf said Tehran wants to take practical steps to strengthen ties with Iraq. He made the remarks during a press conference following his arrival.
He said his visit would focus on advancing cooperation between the neighboring countries. Moreover, he highlighted security as an important area for deeper coordination.
According to Ghalibaf, both countries can strengthen their shared and individual security through closer cooperation. He described this goal as a major priority during his visit.
Furthermore, Ghalibaf emphasized the historical ties between Iranian and Iraqi communities. He said their relationship extends beyond government-level contacts.
He described the connection between the two peoples as deeply rooted in history and pointed to their support for each other during difficult periods.
Ghalibaf said this shared history could guide future relations. He argued that both countries can build on their long-standing connections.
Meanwhile, the Iranian speaker described Iraq as an important regional country. He said Baghdad could play a significant role in strengthening regional cooperation.
Ghalibaf also called for greater cooperation among countries across the region. He stressed the importance of developing relations without foreign interference.
According to Ghalibaf, regional countries should expand their areas of cooperation. He also called for stronger and more sustainable relationships between Islamic states.
He said Iran continues working toward that objective. Therefore, his visit could provide an opportunity to discuss broader regional cooperation.
Ghalibaf also confirmed plans to meet several senior Iraqi officials. Those meetings will provide opportunities to discuss bilateral and regional issues.
The visit comes as Baghdad and Tehran maintain extensive political and economic connections. Both countries also share long-standing security and cultural ties.
However, regional tensions continue to influence relations between neighboring states. Consequently, discussions on security could feature prominently during Ghalibaf’s meetings.
The Iranian speaker’s remarks also highlighted the importance of direct cooperation. He presented stronger regional ties as a way to address shared challenges.
In addition, Ghalibaf emphasized the importance of sustainable partnerships. He suggested that regional countries should strengthen cooperation based on common interests.
The visit could therefore mark another step in developing Iran-Iraq relations. It also reflects Tehran’s interest in expanding coordination with Baghdad.
As Ghalibaf continues his meetings, officials are expected to discuss several areas. These could include security, regional cooperation, political coordination, and bilateral ties.
For Tehran, strengthening Iran-Iraq relations remains an important regional objective. For Baghdad, closer cooperation could shape its broader regional engagement.
Ghalibaf’s visit therefore carries significance beyond bilateral diplomacy. It comes amid wider efforts to strengthen cooperation among countries across the region.
