In Iraq, Iran president hails ties with Baghdad, Ankara

By Ibrahim Saleh

BAGHDAD (AA) - Iraqi President Barham Salih on Monday hailed his country's close ties with both Ankara and Tehran.

At a press conference held following an official reception in Baghdad for Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, Salih said: "Iraq is lucky to have neighbors like Iran and Turkey."

He went on to rebuke “those who always say Iraq’s geographical location makes it prone to problems and difficulties”.

“We do not want Iraq to be an arena for regional or international conflict,” the president said, going on to voice his country’s appreciation for Iran’s assistance in the ongoing fight against terrorism.

According to Salih, Iraqi officials and their Iranian counterparts “are currently discussing a range of joint infrastructure projects, including railway links, shared industrial zones, stepped-up cooperation in the energy field, and the facilitation of bilateral religious tourism”.

He went on to assert that his country would soon sign a number of "important" agreements with Iran.

Rouhani arrived in Baghdad earlier Monday for a three-day visit during which he is slated to hold talks with top Iraqi officials.

According to an Iraqi Foreign Ministry source, Rouhani -- along with members of his delegation -- was welcomed at Baghdad International Airport by Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohamed al-Hakim.

Shortly after his arrival, Rouhani visited the shrine of Imam al-Kadhim in the Iraqi city of Kadhimiya before meeting Iraqi counterpart Barham Salih.

During his visit, the Iranian leader is also expected to hold talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi, Parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi and prominent Shia cleric Ali al-Sistani.