Larijani terms Iraq a "natural ally" of Iran
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Tehran, Sept 13, IRNA
Iran-Iraq-Meet
Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Larijani said here Tuesday that Iraq is a "natural ally" of Iran.
Larijani made the remarks during a meeting with the visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, who arrived in Tehran Tuesday morning at the head of a high-ranking delegation for a two-day visit to review issues of mutual interest with senior Iranian officials.
"With historical ties between the Iraqi and Iranian nations as the backdrop, this unity is restored today with establishment of al-Maliki's government," he said.
The SNSC secretary expressed hope the Iraqi premier would succeed in his policies aimed at establishing sustainable security in the strife-torn country.
He said Iran will cooperate with Iraq in efforts to establish security and preserve the country's territorial integrity.
Al-Maliki, for his part, said Iran is a friend and ally of Iraq, and praised Iran for its consistent support to Iraqi leaders during the difficult times under ousted Iraqi dictator Saddam Hossein.
He praised Iran's policies favoring reconstruction and economic expansion of Iraq and establishment of sustainable security in the country.
The Iraqi premier said his visit will further bolster bilateral cooperation.
His current official visit is his first to Iran since he took office as premier and is in Tehran upon an invitation of the Iranian president.
He is accompanied by a number of cabinet ministers and National Assembly deputies.
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