WANA (Aug 11) –  Iran’s Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council announced that a security agreement will be signed with Iraq during his visit to the country, and that he will also convey messages to Lebanon during his trip to Beirut.

 

Before departing for Iraq and Lebanon on his first official trip since his appointment as Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani outlined the objectives of his visit: “This trip has two parts. The first is Iraq — a friendly and neighboring country with which we have strong trade relations,” he said.

 

He added: “Cooperation between our two nations is at a very good level, with the Arbaeen pilgrimage being a prime example. We thank the Iraqi government in advance for the excellent cooperation they extend to pilgrims during Arbaeen.”

Iraq Foils ISIS Plot Targeting Arbaeen Pilgrims

Iraq Foils ISIS Plot Targeting Arbaeen Pilgrims. Social media/ WANA News Agency

A security agreement with Iraq has been drafted — a significant milestone

Larijani continued: “We have drafted a security agreement with Iraq, which is a very important step. Iran’s approach toward its neighbors is that the security of Iranians is a priority, while also considering the security of neighboring states — unlike some countries that safeguard only their own security while undermining other nations in the region. This is a different kind of conduct, and the agreement will be signed during this trip.”

 

He added: “We will also meet with many friends in Iraq from various political groups, listen to their views, and discuss ideas for strengthening bilateral cooperation.”

 

Lebanon is one of the most important and influential countries in West Asia

The second leg of the trip, Larijani said, will be to Lebanon: “Lebanon is a very important and influential country in the region and in West Asia. Iran has had longstanding ties with the Lebanese government and people. Many influential scholars in Iran have come from Lebanon, so there is a shared civilizational heritage between the two countries. That is why our cooperation with Lebanon has deep roots and is broad in scope. On various regional issues, we regularly consult with one another. Given the current special circumstances, we will meet with officials and key figures in Lebanon.”

Meeting Between Ali Larijani, Special Envoy of Iran's Leader, and Najib Mikati, Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament

Meeting Between Ali Larijani, Special Envoy of Iran’s Leader, and Najib Mikati, Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament. Social Media / WANA News Agency

Messages to be conveyed in Lebanon

When asked if he would be carrying a message to Lebanon, Larijani replied: “There are indeed messages that will be conveyed. Our positions in Lebanon have always been clear. We believe that national unity in Lebanon is important and must be preserved. Lebanon’s independence has always mattered to us, and we will support it. Increasing trade relations between the two countries is also a key priority.”

 

In response to a question about visiting Lebanon during a period of heightened conflict, Larijani said: “Lebanon has a long history of such challenges and recently engaged in intense conflict with Israel, similar to our own experiences. Therefore, these discussions can always contribute to stability in the region.”