Tasnim – Iran’s first vice-president called for efforts to expand trade exchange with Iraq, saying the two neighbors need to promote banking interaction as well.

In a meeting with Iraq’s visiting prime minister in Tehran on Thursday, Iranian First Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri said the two countries should push for stronger economic ties more resolutely.

Unlike the perfect political and military relations, the economic ties between Iran and Iraq have been below expectations, Jahangiri deplored, calling for fully implementing bilateral trade agreements.

He also stressed the need for efforts to stimulate banking interaction between the two nations.

Voicing Iran’s readiness to encourage free trade with Iraq and support the private sector’s investment in the Arab country, Jahangiri called for enhanced cooperation in the oil and gas industry as well.

He also reiterated Iran’s support for Iraq’s unity and territorial integrity, saying Tehran will stand by the Iraqi nation in the process of reconstruction in the post-war era.

For his part, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi urged efforts to broaden bilateral relations and fulfill the common interests.

He also hailed the close coordination between Baghdad, Tehran and Ankara in opposition to a recent independence referendum held by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).

Abadi then unveiled plans for a final operation by the Iraqi Army to destroy the Daesh (ISIL) terrorist group and liberate the entire Arab country from the Takfiri group.

Heading a high-ranking delegation, the Iraqi premier arrived in Tehran on Wednesday evening after visiting Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.