Iraq and Iran agree strategic cooperation document, back dialogue to resolve crises

Iraq and Iran agreed on Thursday to prepare a comprehensive strategic document to expand cooperation between the two countries, saying regional crises can only be resolved through dialogue, diplomacy and respect for the sovereignty of states.

The agreement was announced in a joint statement issued during an official visit by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih Al-Zaidi to Iran, where he led a delegation of political, security and economic officials.

According to a statement published by the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Media Office, Al-Zaidi and the accompanying delegation held talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and several senior officials on bilateral relations, regional developments and international issues of mutual interest.

The two sides agreed to draft a comprehensive strategic document aimed at expanding cooperation and placing bilateral ties on a stronger institutional footing.

The document will cover political, economic, cultural and security cooperation, as well as other areas of mutual interest.

Both sides also agreed that the foreign ministers of Iraq and Iran will finalise the draft document as soon as possible before submitting it to senior officials for signing and implementation.

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