Tehran, Dec 5, IRNA � President Hassan Rouhani told visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki here Thursday that the priority of his government is to develop relations with the neighboring states, Iraq in particular.
Both officials also stressed the importance of dredging the border river of Arvand.

Terming Tehran-Baghdad ties as strategic, Rouhani further urged speedy expansion of bilateral ties in line with the interests of both nations.

Rouhani then appreciated the effective steps taken to implement the 1975 Algiers Accord between the two countries.

He called for further bilateral cooperation in environmental field, particularly ways of containing spread of dust originating from Iraqi deserts.

Turning to the regional issues including Syria, the President said the international conference on Syria to be held in Geneva should focus on the full exit of terrorists from Syria and preparing the ground for holding free elections in that country.

Al-Maliki, too, felicitated President Rouhani on a nuclear deal reached between Iran and G5+1 following intensive talks in Geneva.

Iraq believes that all regional problems will be solved through the efforts being made by the new Iranian government, said al-Maliki.

Iraq, he said, is waiting to witness the long-term impact of the newly-made nuclear deal on regional stability.

On bilateral ties, the Iraqi premier said his country is willing to expand economic relations with Iran and remove any obstacles to this end.

By IRNA

 

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