July 31,�The Iran Project � The presence of Iraqi students in Iran has strengthened the strategic relations of the two countries, says the head of Supreme Leader�s office in Ferdowsi University of Mashhad.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of 130 Iraqi students of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad on Monday, Iranian cleric�Hojatoleslam Mehdi Salehi expressed satisfaction with the increasing relations of Iran and Iraq�s nations despite all global sanctions and the arrogance front's pressures on political, economic and military arenas.

Salehi stressed Iran-Iraq�s determination to fight against terrorism, adding the two countries, not having a decent relationship for the last 20 years, are now trying to expand their ties not only in the military field but at the scientific and cultural levels.

He also expressed hope that�in addition to having strong political ties and cultural similarities, Tehran and Baghdad can also have growing scientific relations.

In a meantime, Iran and Iraq are seeking to enhance their relations in all areas of political, economic, scientific, etc.

To this end, Iran�s Petroleum Minister Bijan Zanganeh�announced on Monday that Iran reached an agreement with Iraq to construct a pipeline that would export crude oil from the northern Iraqi fields of Kirkuk via Islamic Republic.