The President of Iran and the Prime Minister of Iraq stated that the relations between Iran and Iraq go beyond the two neighbouring countries, stressing that the sovereignty and national security of the two countries are intertwined.

President Hassan Rouhani met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi on Tuesday evening, and described his acceptance of office in the country's current difficult conditions as the indicator of the trust of all Iraqi political currents in him and said, "The concern and interest of the two nations and the two governments of Iran and Iraq in each other's future is a great investment in the comprehensive development of relations and cooperation between the two countries".

The President added, "Iran and Iraq have a lot in common culturally, religiously, historically and politically, and the seminaries of Qom and Najaf are two major assets for Iran and Iraq".

Dr Rouhani said that Iran and Iraq can work together to overcome the difficult situation created by the outbreak of coronavirus, adding, "The two countries should fully implement the existing agreements as soon as possible through extensive cooperation in all fields".

The President described the preservation of Iraq's territorial integrity and security as an important and strategic neighbour for Iran, adding, "Foreign forces will not be able to disrupt the brotherly relations between the two long-time neighbours".

Dr Rouhani stated, "The Islamic Republic of Iran strongly supports the decisive role of Iraq as a powerful Muslim and Arab country in the region in order to ensure peace and stability".

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi described Iran-Iraq relations as beyond normal relations between the two neighbouring countries and said, "The Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Iraq have strategic relations and the deep interest of the people of the two countries in each other is a strong support for these relations".

During their talks, the President of Iran and the Prime Minister of Iraq agreed to form a joint committee to follow up and expedite the implementation of the agreements between the two countries.

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