Iran, Iraq call for expansion of mutual relations

Baghdad, Feb 9, IRNA -

Advisor to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution on
international affairs Ali-Akbar Velayati conferred on Sunday with
leader of Iraq's National Congress party Ahmad Chalabi on expansion of
ties between the two countries.

At the meeting, Chalabi underlined the need for expansion of mutual
relations and cooperation as well as increase in the volume of trade
exchanges between the two countries.

Chalabi once again proposed a new plan on cooperation among countries
of the region which he believed will lead to formation of a regional
alliance.

Chalabi had already called for formation of a regional alliance among
Iran, Turkey, Iraq and Syria.

He also called for expansion of mutual cooperation in such fields as
oil, electricity, transit of goods and exchange of pilgrims between
the two countries.

The Iranian envoy, for his part, expressed congratulation on
successful holding of councils elections in Iraq and said the outcome
of such elections would help restore stability and security to Iraq.

Velayati expressed the hope that Iraq would successfully leave behind
the current developments and once again play its significant role in
regional developments.

Velayati arrived in the Iraqi capital city of Baghdad on Saturday on a
pilgrimage visit.

He is to hold separate meetings with the leader of the Supreme Islamic
Iraqi Council Abdul Aziz al-Hakim and Iraqi Vice-President Adel Abdul
Mahdi on issues of mutual interests.

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