IRNA – Iraqi President Barham Salih said on Monday that Iran and Iraq have a main and effective status in the region.

In a meeting with visiting Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, he added that strengthening ties between the two nations will not only benefit both nations but also the entire region.

“Today, regional states shoulder a heavy responsibility to overcome the existing crises,” Salih said.

“Current regional situation prompts us to create a common and constructive dialogue with all the sides to build pillars of stability in the region through further efforts and coordination,” he said.

Zarif, for his part, reiterated Iran’s willingness to enhance mutual cooperation with Iraq, saying that the country will remain supporter of the Iraqi nation and government in all phases, including reconstruction.

Zarif, heading a politico-economic delegation, is currently in Baghdad for talks with the neighboring state’s officials.

He is also slated to visit Erbil, Sulaymanieh, Karbala and Najaf during his four-day visit to Iraq.