IRNA � Iraqi Vice-President Nouri al-Maliki said on Monday that Iran was the sole country which helped Iraq stand up to Daesh and Takfiri terrorist groups.


He made the remarks in a press conference in Tehran.

Although some countries declared their readiness to help Iraq in fight against terrorism, it was only Iran, which practically helped Iraq in this concern, Maliki said.

Iraq armed forces did not have enough weaponry gainst Daesh, but, Iran equipped the Iraqi Army as an important assistance to Iraq which led to overcome Daesh.

He said that his visit to Iran aims to develop ties and that relations between Tehran and Baghdad is close and strategic.

Maliki strongly criticized Saudi government for stirring up terrorism in the region.

The Iraqi VP and Secretary General of Iraq al-Dawa Party arrived in Tehran on Saturday to consult with Iranian senior officials.
He was prime minister of Iraq during years of 2006 to 2014.