Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has praised the recent victories of the Iraqi army and popular forces against terrorist groups, saying the reinforcement of unity among Iraqis of all ethnicities and faiths will certainly uproot terrorism in the country.

The Islamic Republic of Iran will continue to stand by the Iraqi government and nation until the end of their battle against terrorism, Rouhani said in a meeting with visiting Iraqi Parliament Speaker Salim al-Jabouri in Tehran on Saturday.

He added that the Iraqi parliament is a symbol of unity and fraternity among Iraqis of all ethnicities and faiths and can boost national unity by taking on an integrated role in the fight against terrorism.
“Unfortunately, some countries in the region are influenced by different factors, such as the Zionists, and are following a wrong path. This is while people want all these countries to struggle for the region’s development and prosperity side by side,” the Iranian president said.


[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="555"] Iranian President Hassan Rouhani (R) and Iraqi Parliament Speaker Salim al-Jabouri meet in Tehran on August 20, 2016. © president.ir[/caption]

Rouhani further said that increasing consultations between Iran and Iraq is necessary for promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.

He said the Iranian and Iraqi parliaments should make use of the appropriate opportunity created following last year’s nuclear agreement between Iran and the P5+1 group of countries, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), to boost economic cooperation.

Iran, Iraq must help boost Mideast stability

The Iraqi parliament speaker, for his part, said the settlement of regional problems hinges on cooperation and unity among all countries.

Jabouri added that Iran and Iraq must strengthen cooperation and make efforts to establish peace and security in Iraq and across the region.

He said Iran has always supported the Iraqi government and people in the campaign against terrorism and played a significant role in this regard.

Iran has been supporting Iraq in its fight against Daesh Takfiri terrorists. On August 10, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi hailed the presence of Iranian military advisors in the country’s battle against Daesh terrorists and said the Iranian advisors are present in Iraq at Baghdad’s request.

The northern and western parts of Iraq have been plagued by gruesome violence ever since Daesh terrorists mounted an offensive in June 2014.

The Iraqi army and fighters from the Popular Mobilization Units have been engaged in joint operations to retake militant-held regions.

By Press TV