News / Politics

In Baghdad, FM Zarif says Iran welcomes Iraq’s pivotal role in region

Tuesday, 27 April 2021 1:10 PM [ Last Update: Tuesday, 27 April 2021 1:52 PM ]

Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (C) is welcomed upon his arrival for his meeting with his Iraqi counterpart in the capital, Baghdad, on April 26, 2021. (Photo by AFP)

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who is on an official visit to Iraq, says Tehran welcomes the Arab country’s “pivotal” role in the West Asia region.

In a post on his official Twitter account on Tuesday, Zarif said he held “excellent” talks with top Iraqi officials and senior Shia and Sunni leaders.

The top Iranian diplomat said he once again stressed that the Islamic Republic gives priority to its neighbors in its foreign policy.

Excellent talks in #Iraq with President @BarhamSalih, PM @MAKadhimi, Speaker Halbousi, FM @Fuad_Hussein1 & senior Sunni & Shia leaders.

Emphasized that Iran's priority is its neighbors.

We welcome Iraq's pivotal role in the region.

More meetings jn Baghdad & Erbil today. pic.twitter.com/kji3qDPSzV
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) April 27, 2021

Zarif visit of strategic importance: Top Iraqi security official

Iraqi National Security Council (INSC) Advisor Qasim al-Araji said on Tuesday that the visit by the Iranian foreign minister to Baghdad was of high strategic significance.

In a meeting with Zarif, the top Iraqi security official added that Iran plays a key, influential and positive role in maintaining security in the region and hailed Tehran’s efforts to fight the Daesh terrorist group with the purpose of ensuring regional stability and helping the neighboring states.

Zarif and Araji discussed important military and security issues of Iraq and the entire region.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (C-L) and Iraqi National Security Council (INSC) Advisor Qasim al-Araji (C-R) meet in Baghdad on April 27, 2021. (Photo by IRNA)

Iraq seeks highest level of ties with all countries: Hakim

Head of the Hikma National Movement Ammar al-Hakim said that Iraq pursues a policy of improving relations with regional and global countries and seeks the highest level of ties in line with its national interests and territorial integrity.

In a meeting with the Iranian foreign minister, Hakim stressed the importance of maintaining peace in the region and solving crises through negotiations, urging all countries to patch up differences via real talks.