Shafaq News / The President of the Republic, Barham Salih, confirmed in his meeting, on Sunday, the Iranian Foreign Minister, the region’s need for mutual understanding to reach solutions to crises and establish regional security.

The presidential office said, in a statement received by Shafaq News agency, that the President of the Republic, Barham Salih, hosted today, in Baghdad, the Iranian Minister of Foreign affairs, Mohammad Javad Zarif, and his accompanying delegation, indicating that Saleh emphasized during the meeting "the depth of historical ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran".

Saleh affirmed, "the necessity of expanding the horizons of bilateral cooperation between the two countries in all fields", stressing, "Iraq’s willingness to be a factor of stability and a center for converging the common interests of the countries of the region in a manner that establishes peace and regional security".

"the region needs to build balanced relations, mutual understanding, coordination and a clear vision to reach radical solutions to crises and tensions by relying on a constructive and frank dialogue between all international parties", according to Salih.

Saleh stressed that, "Iraq attaches importance to protecting its sovereignty, security and stability and cooperates with allies and friends in the framework of mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs, praising the positions of the Islamic Republic and its support for Iraq, especially in the area of combating terrorism and confronting ISIS gangs".

The President of the Republic conveyed, through Zarif, his greetings to President Hassan Rouhani and his wishes for the Iranian people for further development, progress and stability, according to the statement, which indicated Zarif conveying the greetings of President Rouhani and the Iranian leadership to the Iraqi president and their wishes for the Iraqi people with more prosperity.

The Foreign Minister also expressed his country's desire to expand the horizons of bilateral cooperation and coordination, and its support for Iraq in various levels, highlighting the importance of strengthening relations between the countries of the region to support stability and continue the combat terrorism.

During the meeting, according to the statement, the latest political developments at the regional and international levels and ways of enhancing opportunities for peace and stability were discussed.

Zarif arrived Sunday morning flanked by high-profile political delegation in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, to hold talks with senior Iraqi officials.

Zarif will also visit Kurdistan Region and meet with senior officials there, the Kurdish leader, President of Kurdistan Democratic Party, Massoud Barzani, the President of the region, Nechirvan Barzani and Prime Minister Masrour Barzani.