Tuesday 24 April 2012 - 08:16

Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki wrapped up his two-day visit to Tehran

Story Code : 156105

On the last day of his visit, Nuri al-Maliki met with leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatolah Seyyed Ali khamanei who hailed Iraq's growing might in the Arab world and the Middle East.

Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei also told visiting Iraqi Prime Minister that the full withdrawal of US troops from Iraq has been a big achievement for both the Iraqi nation and government. He further noted that that hosting the latest Arab League summit was yet another success for Baghdad. The Iraqi premier for his part said that his visit to Tehran would help deepen bilateral cooperation.

Ayatollah Khamanei’s remarks regarding Iraq’s growing might in the Arab world comes as Baghdad, which is currently the head of the Arab league, has also been chosen to host the upcoming negotiations between Iran and 5+1 group, due on May 23rd.

Accordingly, visiting Nuri al-Maliki also met with Iran’s Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Saeed Jalili. In the meeting Jalili stressed that the outcome of the Baghdad talks relies on a correct assessment by the West of Iran's national, regional and international capabilities.
On the first day of his visit, Maliki met other senior Iranian officials including President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and speaker of Iran’s Parliament Ali Larijani. In a meeting President Ahmadinejad, said Tehran and Baghdad vigilantly maintain their independence in order to foil the enemies' plots aimed at creating tension.
He also stressed the need to tap into all the existing capacities to expand bilateral ties and restore peace and calm in the region.
This was Nuri al-Maliki’s first official visit to Tehran after his reelection as Prime Minister. Aside from political relations Iran and Iraq have good economic ties. In the past Iranian year ending late March the volume of trade between the two contries stood around 10 billion dollars, which has grown by 50% compared to previous year. The number is expected to reach around 12 billion dollars in the near future.