Supreme Leader calls for enhanced ties with Iraq

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, Nov 24, IRNA -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Tuesday called for enhanced ties between Tehran and Baghdad.

The Supreme Leader made the remarks in a meeting with the visiting Iraqi President Fouad Massoum.

'The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to share experiences in all fields of technology, defense and science with Iraqi nation.'

Ayatollah Khamenei encouraged promotion of bilateral economic ties between the two states.

The Leader praised Iraqi nation's kind hospitality for Iranian pilgrims in the upcoming Arbaeen religous ceremonies.

The Arbaeen ceremony is the largest rally of the Muslims that is annually held 40 days after the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS), the third Imam of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) Infallible Household and his companions on the day of Ashura.

The deep love between two nations of Iraq and Iran is an opportunity for the two states' officials to secure two counties' interests, Ayatollah Khamenei said.

The Supreme Leader lauded Iraqi Army and volunteers' victory over Daesh and highlighted the significant role of Iraqi president to foster Iraqi national unity.

All Iraqi sects including Shia and Sunni Muslims, Kurds and Arabs have lived peacefully together for centuries but certain regional states and outside powers are maximizing the differences, the Leader said.

Ayatollah Khamenei said that Iraqi nation should stand against foreign provocative plots, noting that sectarian conflict among various sects of Iraq prepares the ground for foreign intervention.

The Leader stressed securing the national unity of Iraq, adding that US officials should not dare to talk about partition of Iraq.

Ayatollah Khamenei warned that partition of Iraq into smaller regions will expose Iraq to everlasting conflicts.

Iraqi officials must regulate relations with US in line with interest of Iraqi nation and that the US officials should not be permitted to suppose Iraqi government as puppet, Ayatollah Khamenei added.

He said that today, Iraqi young are smart enough and different from the past generation and will not accept US dominance over their country.

The Leader said that Iraq with its great history should assume its due status in the international scene by using the capacities of its powerful young.

Iran and Iraq enjoy historical deep ties beyond the common relations between two neighbors, Ayatollah Khamenei added.

Ayatollah Khamenei received here Tuesday the visiting Iraqi president.

President Massoum is on a visit to Tehran to take part in the Summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) held on Monday.

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