Independent, strong Iraq will promote regional security: President Raeisi
Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi says a developed, independent and strong Iraq with a positive and constructive role can help promote security in the region.
In a message on Friday, Raeisi extended his congratulations to Mohammed Shia al-Sudani over his election by Iraqi lawmakers as the country's new prime minister and the establishment of a new government headed by him, ending a year-long stalemate.
The Islamic Republic has always supported the political process in Iraq based on people's votes and would spare no efforts to expand cordial relations with the Arab country, the Iranian chief executive added. He hoped amicable ties between Tehran and Baghdad would be further developed in all fields based on deep-rooted civilizational and cultural commonalities.
Raeisi reiterated Iran's determination to strengthen cooperation with Iraq.
The Iraqi legislatures voted in favor of the premier's 21-member cabinet on Thursday.
The vote was held precisely one week after the parliament elected Abdul Latif Rashid as the Arab nation’s new president, who immediately named Sudani as his premier.
Rashid's election took place against the backdrop of three failed attempts by the legislative body to pick a head of state.
The country held general elections last year. Popular Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr won the contest, but failed to rally enough support to form a government.
Sudani has pledged to hold early elections "within a year."
The new premier is, meanwhile, expected to tackle the country's deep-rooted corruption.
In a meeting with former Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi in Tehran on Sunday, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian reiterated the Islamic Republic’s support for the Iraqi government and nation, saying Tehran intends to expand ties at all levels with Baghdad.
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