WANA (Sep 10) – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran’s President designating Iraq as the first country to visit demonstrates the depth of the fraternal relations between the two countries.

 

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi appeared on Iraq’s Al-Furat TV for his first interview, addressing several key topics. He highlighted the significance of President Massoud Pezeshkian’s upcoming visit to Baghdad, describing Iraq as more than just a neighbouring country but a brotherly one with deep ties.

 

Araghchi outlined that Pezeshkian’s trip will start in Baghdad and include Basra, Erbil, Najaf, and Karbala visits. He also discussed the ongoing security agreement between Iran and Iraq, expressing satisfaction with Iraq’s actions against groups targeting Iran and reaffirming ongoing consultations to optimize the 2021 security pact.

 

He welcomed Iraq’s initiatives to mediate regional tensions, including hosting talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Araghchi emphasized Iran’s support for any economic projects that contribute to Iraq’s stability and growth.

 

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran closely monitors Iraq’s development and stresses that any regionally impactful economic projects require regional discussions. He expressed satisfaction with the Iraqi Parliament’s decision to approve the withdrawal of foreign troops, emphasizing the importance of this move for regional stability.

 

Araghchi also addressed the border disputes between Iraq and Turkey, noting that their water-related disagreements differ from those between Iran and Iraq, as Iran contributes less than 7% of Iraq’s water. He stressed the need for water diplomacy to shift from conflict to cooperation.

 

Lastly, Araghchi highlighted that Iraq’s security and stability are crucial for Iran and pointed out that the shared adversary is the Israeli regime.