First following up session of Iran-Iraq Economic Commission held

Baghdad, Feb 11, IRNA ?

The first following up session of Iran-Iraq Economic Commission was
held in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad on Wednesday.

Iran's Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki and Iraqi Minister of Trade
Fallah al-Sudani are attending the session.

Mottaki, heading a high-ranking political and economic delegation,
arrived here this morning to hold talks with senior Iraqi officials on
issues of mutual interest.

Addressing the session, Mottaki said the objective of the visit to
Iraq of the Iranian delegation is to follow up the agreements reached
between Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and senior Iranain
officials during the Iraqi premier's recent visit to Tehran.

He expressed hope that the ongoing meeting would set the exact date
for holding of the session of Iran-Iraq Joint Commission which is to
be held in Tehran.

Underlining the need for further expansion of all-out relations
between the two neighboring states, Mottaki called for inking of joint
agreements on custom affairs, preferrential tariffs, and avoiding
double taxation.

The Iranian minister also underscored the need for facilitating
traffic of tradesmen and support for joint investment.

For his part, al-Sudani called for support of all neighboring states
for his country.

Referring to the ongoing meeting as a major step towards expansion of
all-out cooperation between the two states, he expressed hope that the
meeting would meet Baghdad?s expectations.

End