Iran FM: No third party allowed to interfere in Iraq-Iran relations

Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said third party interference may not leave a negative impact on the relations between Tehran and Baghdad.

“Iran and Iraq are two neighboring states and no other country is entitled to meddle with the historical ties between these two neighbors,” Zarif told reporters in Baghdad on Saturday night, adding that those third-party states who seek to undermine the Tehran-Baghdad ties through meddling “are wasting time and that may not affect the Iran-Iraq relations”.

Zarif who was speaking to reporters upon arrival in the Iraqi capital, said his trip is aimed at preparing the ground for a landmark visit to Baghdad by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.

The minister said the two states’ officials are due to discuss expansion of cooperation in various economic, transit, energy and industrial grounds during President Rouhani’s visit to Iraq, adding that the trip would end up in the conclusion of serious agreements between the two countries.

Rouhani is due to arrive in Baghdad on Monday on a three-day visit which will be his first as Iran’s president.

EA