In a meeting with the visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki in Tehran, Rahimi expressed hope that his trip to Iran would open a new chapter in the two countries’ relations.
“Plots, which are hatched against the two nations on a global scale, are due to the beliefs and ideals of the Iranian and Iraqi nations and if the two countries become united in an all-out manner, they will become a big power in the world,” Fars News Agency quoted him as saying on Sunday.
“At present, the economic and cultural exchange between the two countries continue at a high level and we hope the continuation of this trend will remove any obstacles and problems in the way of the further development of Tehran-Baghdad relations in the shortest possible time,” Rahimi added.
Stressing the necessity of connecting the two countries’ railroads, he said cooperation between Iran and Iraq in the fields of oil and transit will help promote cooperation in other economic areas.
Rahimi expressed Iran’s readiness for cooperation and exchanging experiences and achievements with Iraq.
The Iraqi premier, for his part, called for the implementation of previous agreements and more collaboration between Tehran and Baghdad in such fields as energy, oil, infrastructure, and commerce.
Maliki arrived in Tehran at the head of a high-ranking delegation for an official two-day visit on Sunday and was welcomed at the airport by Iran’s Energy Minister Majid Namjou.
In addition to Rahimi, the Iraqi prime minister is also scheduled to meet with other senior Iranian authorities including President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and take part in bilateral meetings to discuss economic and political matters as well as regional issues with Iranian officials.
SS/PKH/HGH/IS
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