Pres. Rouhani: Iran main protector of navigation freedom, security in Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Sea of Oman

AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): Speaking at the meeting of high-ranking delegations of Iran and Iraq, President Rouhani described meetings and visits of Iranian and Iraqi officials effective in development of relations and cooperation, adding, "Fortunately in recent years, effective steps have been taken for deepening Tehran-Baghdad relations, and this trend will continue".

During the meeting that was held on Monday evening, Dr Rouhani said, "Today, friendly relations between Tehran and Baghdad are at a level that the presence of Iranian and Iraqi representatives ensures mutual interests of both countries".

The President emphasised the development of Iran-Iraq relations and cooperation in the current situation, adding, "In the absence of enough and lasting stability and security in the region, the development of cooperation between Tehran and Baghdad will surely enhance the security and stability of the region".

Dr Rouhani said, "Iran has been, and will be, the main guardian of security and freedom of navigation in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and the Sea of Oman during history", emphasizing that the Islamic Republic of Iran is not willing to escalate tensions in the region and with other countries, and will never initiate war and tension.

"Iran and Iraq can promote their cooperation in the development of regional stability and security, as two friendly and neighboring countries," said Dr Rouhani, pointing out that regional stability and security have always been important for Iran.

Referring to Iran-Iraq agreements on dredging Arvand Rud, the president said, "Accelerating the implementation of this agreement is in the interest of the two nations and residents of its coastal towns in Iran and Iraq".

Dr Rouhani also went on to emphasise development of relations between the two countries in different fields such as railways, formation of joint border areas, energy, especially oil and electricity, and the development of joint ventures and the protection.

He said, "The development of Iran-Iraq banking cooperation is important in expanding the commercial and economic relations between the two countries".

Referring to the two countries' agreement on facilitating the issuance of visas and the development of bilateral relations between the two nations, Dr Rouhani said, "I appreciate the Iraqi government for considering special facilities for the travel of Arba'een pilgrims to Iraq".

"Serious fight against drug trafficking is one of the main concerns of the Islamic Republic of Iran," said the president, pointing out that the security of the common borders between Iran and Iraq is very important.

Dr Rouhani also emphasized, "We believe that the issues of the region should be resolved through dialogue, negotiation and cooperation between neighbours and regional countries".

At the same meeting, Prime Minister of Iraq Adil Abdul-Mahdi, who was heading the senior political and economic delegation of Iraq, praised Iran's hospitality, saying, "The feeling of friendship and brotherhood of Iran and Iraq towards each other is mutual".

The Prime Minister of Iraq also stated that the visit of the Iranian President to Iraq was a historic one and milestone in the relations between Tehran and Baghdad, saying, "The officials of the two countries are serious in implementing the agreements made in that visit".

Referring to the importance of developing relations and cooperation between Iran and Iraq in different sectors, Abdul-Mahdi said, "We need to work hard to secure and protect the interests of the two nations by expanding our relations".

Referring to some conspiracies for escalating tensions in the region, the Iraqi Prime Minister continued, "Iraq has never been, and will not be, part of the sanctions against Iran".

Abdul-Mahdi also said, "We welcome the development of cooperation and relations between investors and entrepreneurs in Iran and Iraq".

He also stressed the development of cooperation between the two countries in various sectors, including energy, transit cooperation and the organisation of multilateral cooperation with Iran and Iraq and other countries, and added, "We will do our best to develop economic cooperation" with Iran.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran has made many efforts in the fight against drug trafficking," saying that the security of Iran and Iraq are interdependent and the common borders have to be protected.

Prior to the meeting, ministers of the two countries also discussed the latest progress of cooperation and implementation of the agreements at separate meetings.

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