Jaafari Receives New Iranian Ambassador, Confirms Iraq's Desire To Establish Best Relations With All Neighboring Countries

BAGHDAD, Iraq (NINA) - Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari stressed Iraq's efforts to establish the best relations with all neighboring countries. "Jaafari received a copy of the credentials of the new ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Baghdad, Erj Masjidi and reviewed the relations between Baghdad and Tehran and ways to strengthen them in the interests of the two neighboring countries," a ministry statement said. Jaafari expressed "the readiness of the Foreign Ministry to provide the necessary support to the diplomatic mission to increase the volume of cooperation and coordination in various fields," expressing "thanks and appreciation to Iran for humanitarian support, service and security in the face of terrorist gangs." He pointed out to "the depth of bilateral relations and friendship based on the historical and geographical facts, interests and common dangers that bring together Baghdad and Tehran," calling for "the need to continue technical committees between the two countries. Jaafari stressed that "Iraq seeks to establish the best relations with all neighboring countries and extend bridges of cooperation and restore security and stability to the region and make more efforts to promote joint coordination between the two countries in all areas," noting that "Iraq is going through exceptional circumstances of the security challenge and war against Daesh gangs and the economic challenge as a result of the drop in oil prices. For his part, the new Iranian ambassador to Baghdad, Erj Masjidi, stressed his country's keenness to improve relations and enhance joint cooperation to serve the interest of the two countries, adding that he will do everything in his power to activate common interests in all fields. Masjidi, who was the deputy commander of Iran's Quds Force, was appointed as Iran's ambassador to Iraq, replacing former ambassador Hassan Danaiefar./ End