WANA (Jan 08) – In a meeting today, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia’ al-Sudani, who arrived in Iran earlier today, discussed expanding cooperation between the two nations across various sectors.

 

Pezeshkian, while welcoming Prime Minister al-Sudani and his delegation, expressed satisfaction over the strong state of bilateral relations and highlighted the importance of Iraq as a strategic partner for Iran. He emphasized that Iran remains committed to Iraq’s security, growth, and prosperity.

 

“Iraq, after overcoming the scourge of terrorism, is experiencing a period of growth and development, particularly under the leadership of my brother, al-Sudani. God willing, this progress will continue,” Pezeshkian added. The Iranian President noted that this visit follows a successful trip to Iraq in September 2024, marking key milestones in the relationship between the two countries.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani arrives at Mehrabad Airport in Tehran, Iran, January 8, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Pezeshkian also discussed shared concerns regarding developments in Syria, emphasizing the importance of Syria’s stability, territorial integrity, and the need to combat terrorist groups. Both leaders agreed on the necessity of Israel’s withdrawal from occupied territories and the importance of respecting religious sentiments, particularly regarding Shiite shrines and holy sites.

 

“We share concerns about the threat of terrorism and the potential reactivation of terrorist cells,” Pezeshkian remarked, highlighting the need for heightened vigilance and cooperation between the two nations.

 

The meeting also focused on expanding economic ties, particularly on joint projects such as the Shalamcheh-Basra railway. Both leaders stressed the urgency of executing bilateral agreements and removing barriers to further cooperation.

 

Pezeshkian underscored the importance of customs cooperation, joint investment projects, road transportation, increased trade and passenger transit, and strengthening border markets. He hoped these efforts would lead to the growth of bilateral trade between Iran and Iraq.

 

Pezeshkian also took the opportunity to thank the Iraqi government and people for their hospitality towards Iranian pilgrims over the years.“Iran views the security and development of Iraq as part of its own interests and will continue to offer support and collaboration in this direction,” Pezeshkian concluded.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia’ al-Sudani meeting on January 08, 2024. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Prime Minister al-Sudani, for his part, expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome from the Iranian leadership. He noted that his visit aims to strengthen ties between Tehran and Baghdad in various sectors, including economic, social, cultural, and religious collaboration.

 

“We had very productive discussions with President Pezeshkian and the ministers regarding bilateral relations and agreements,” al-Sudani said. “Following President Pezeshkian’s recent visit to Iraq, we witnessed positive outcomes, and soon, we will hold joint meetings between our ministers on crucial economic issues, shared projects, and collaboration on energy supplies to Iraq.”

 

The Iraqi Prime Minister described the expansion of ties between Tehran and Baghdad as a strategic priority, stating, “Strengthening relations with Tehran serves the mutual interests of both nations and can foster broader regional development.

 

This cooperation is an opportunity to promote the collective benefits of all countries in the region.” He expressed alignment with Iranian officials on advancing regional economic collaboration, calling it a pathway to ensuring stability and security throughout the Middle East.

 

Al-Sudani strongly condemned the ongoing atrocities in Gaza, labeling them as war crimes and acts of genocide. He criticized the international community for failing to halt Israel’s actions, which he warned threaten peace and security in the region and beyond.

Iran’s Minister of Economy Abdolnaser Hemmati welcomes Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani upon his arrival at Mehrabad Airport in Tehran, Iran, January 8, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

“The only solution lies in ending the devastating war in Gaza and guaranteeing the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination through the establishment of a free state,” he stressed. He also reiterated Iraq’s firm stance on maintaining calm and a ceasefire in Lebanon, as well as supporting peaceful resolutions in Syria. “Iraq is ready to participate in the reconstruction of Gaza and Lebanon,” he added.

 

The Iraqi Prime Minister emphasized the need for a comprehensive political solution in Syria, one that preserves the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while preventing foreign interference. “We respect the will of the Syrian people and stand ready to cooperate with all parties for a peaceful transition that ensures representation for all groups and ethnicities,” he stated.

 

Al-Sudani called for a regional dialogue aimed at building trust among neighboring nations. “Using the language of threats and confrontation only deepens crises and tensions,” he warned. He also announced plans for an upcoming summit of regional leaders to be hosted in Iraq in the coming months, signaling Baghdad’s commitment to fostering diplomacy.

 

The Iraqi Prime Minister concluded by expressing gratitude to the Iranian leadership, calling the visit a significant step toward achieving peace and prosperity in the region. “This trip represents a milestone in our shared efforts to ensure stability, security, and economic growth for the region,” Al-Sudani said, thanking the people and government of Iran for their partnership.