Iraqi Foreign Minister Arrives in Baghdad to Discuss Bilateral Relations and Regional Developments

SadaNews - Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi arrived this morning, Sunday, in the Iraqi capital Baghdad on a formal visit leading a diplomatic delegation, amid escalating security tensions in the region.

In a joint press conference with his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein, Araqchi expressed his appreciation for Baghdad's stance in condemning the aggression against his country, emphasizing Tehran's insistence on continuing strategic cooperation with the Iraqi government in economic and security fields.

The Iranian Foreign Minister stressed the necessity for the memorandum of understanding not to deviate from its course, asserting that "the first article in it is to end the war on all fronts, including Lebanon," and demanding the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territories they occupy in Lebanon.

For his part, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein confirmed that the visit is of great importance in light of the signing of the memorandum of understanding with Washington, stressing that ending the war represents "a priority for everyone."

Hussein explained that his country has suffered economically and financially due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the cessation of oil flow, calling for a meeting that includes Gulf countries, Iraq, and Iran, while also affirming that the security of the region should be the responsibility of its peoples and states.

Agenda of the Visit

The Iraqi News Agency reported, citing government sources, that the agenda of the visit will include a series of direct meetings with senior Iraqi officials, led by the President Nizar Amidi and Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaydi.

The discussions are set to focus on enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries, in addition to exchanging views on the fast-paced regional and international developments and the Iranian-American agreement.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei confirmed that the visit is part of ongoing coordination with the Iraqi authorities regarding issues of mutual interest, and discussing ways to calm the situations in the region.

Alongside the political consultations, Iranian sources indicated that the agenda of the visit also includes coordinating with the relevant Iraqi authorities regarding holding memorial ceremonies for the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the sacred shrines in Iraq.

This visit, the timeline of which has not been specified, comes amid renewed military escalation between the United States and Iran that saw exchanges of strikes on Saturday and Sunday, despite engagement in negotiations aimed at ending the war that broke out on February 28 due to the American-Israeli attack on Iran.

Source: Agencies