8 May 2025
Tuesday 15 January 2019 - 09:48
Story Code : 334624

Iran�s Zarif hails ongoing tour to Iraq

IRNA � Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a series of Twitter messages elaborated on the details of his tour to Iraq, saying it is a pleasure to be back to Iraq.

�Always a pleasure to be back touring in #Iraq. Yesterday I had the honor to meet with PM @AdilAbdAlMahdi and FM @Maalhakim to discuss strategy on how to further expand bilateral relations�including trade. We also exchanged views on regional & int�l issues, such as #Yemen, #Syria,� Zarif Tweeted on Monday night regarding his visit with Iraqi counterpart and the prime minister.

He added �Additionally, I've had the good fortune to engage in fruitful exchange of thoughts with the head of #Iraq�s Reform and Reconstruction Alliance @Ammar_Alhakeem, as well as with prominent Iraqi leaders -- from @AyadAllawi to friends from the Nasr and Sadrist coalitions.�

He noted, �Today, I, accompanied by 6 Iraqi ministers, addressed hundreds of participants at the Iran-Iraq Joint Trade Conference, exploring paths to significantly expand bilateral trade and investment. With implementation of shared vision, doubling of annual trade volume is on the horizon.�

He went on to say �as with my past visits, I've been honored to be able to make use of opportunity to engage with representatives of the many diverse actors in the rich mosaic of #Iraq; from Christians, Yezidis, Sabaeans, Turkmen, and Feyli Kurds to the Sunni Endowment.�

�Pleased to meet Parliament Speaker Mr. Al-Halbousi and engage in an extensive, constructive and friendly dialogue with him and 20 of his colleagues in #Iraq's Council of Representatives,� he reiterated.

�Honored to have substantive meeting and dinner with President @BarhamSalih to discuss further cooperation and constructive engagement between our two countries. Iran and Iraq are determined to work together to promote a strong region.�

�After Sunday dinner in Baghdad with the leadership of the Reform Alliance, I had the pleasure of lunch today with the leadership of the Construction Alliance�the other major Iraqi coalition�to discuss bilateral and regional issues. Both parties cross ethnic & sectarian divides.�

�Separately, I had the pleasure of meeting with former Prime Minister Maliki and former Prime Minister Allavi�with members of his coalition, including former Speaker Salim al-Jabouri. My visit allows for engaging in dialogue with different political currents and leaders in Iraq.�

Meanwhile, in an exclusive interview with the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) Zarif said Iranian President Hassan Rouhani will have a trip to Iraq on March 11.
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