Iraqi FM to Visit Iran to Discuss Security Pact
TEHRAN - Iraq’s Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein says that he will exchange views with the Iranian authorities on the implementation of a major security agreement between Tehran and Baghdad during an imminent visit to Tehran.
Hussein made the remarks at a press conference with his Austrian counterpart in Baghdad on Tuesday, noting that his government has taken essential measures to eliminate anti-Tehran elements from joint borders with Iran.
He stated he will travel to Tehran on Wednesday to hold talks with Iranian officials to discuss the security pact.
The top Iraqi diplomat also emphasized that his country is committed to complying with its commitments under the security agreement signed with Iran.
Hussein added Iraq and Iran enjoy strong relations, adding that Iraq will not allow its territory to be used by certain groups to attack neighbors.
The security deal with the Iran requires Iraq move militant groups opposed to Iran from border areas in the Kurdistan region.
KRG Warned of Presence of Anti-Iran Terrorists
The foreign minister of Iran cautioned that the presence of terrorists in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region runs counter to the friendly ties with Tehran and contravenes the Constitution of Iraq.
In a meeting with leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan Bafel Talabani, held in Tehran on Monday, Iranian Foreign Minister Hussein Amir-Abdollahian thanked the Iraqi government and people as well as the Kurdistan Regional Government for their hospitality during the Arbaeen season.
Iran wants an independent, prosperous and developed Iraq, Amir-Abdollahian said, praising the role of late president of Iraq Jalal Talabani.
He, however, said the presence of terrorists in the Kurdistan Region and their actions against Iran’s security are at odds with the Iraqi Constitution and with friendly relations between the two nations. The Iranian foreign minister added that no one must undermine the security of Iraq’s neighbors.
Highlighting the strong ties between Tehran and Baghdad, Amir-Abdollahian stressed the need to speed up the implementation of the two countries’ security deal.
Bafel Talabani, for his part, appreciated Iran’s continued support for the Iraqi government and people.
He described Iran as the most powerful supporter of the Iraqi people and underlined that Iraqis are proud of their relations and friendship with Iran.
Talabani also referred to the developments in the Kurdistan Region and the strengthening of relations between the region and the central government of Iraq as well as the measures taken by his party to increase security on the borders of the Kurdistan Region.
He further said Iraq will not allow its territory to be used as a launching pad for harming regional countries, particularly Iran, the Foreign Ministry’s website reported.