Iran, Iraq to jointly organize Arbaeen religious gathering

The two officials made the remarks in a fast-breaking (Iftar) meal ceremony held at the Iranian embassy in Baghdad on Thursday evening.

The Iraqi interior minister, predicting an increase in the number of Iranian pilgrims attending the Arbaeen ceremonies this year,due to be held in November 20, 2016, called for more consultations between Iranian and Iraqi officials on the issue.

The official hailed successful holding of the Arbaeen ceremony in the previous year.

Iranian Ambassador to Baghdad Hassan Danaeifar, on his part, also stressed promotion of cooperation between Tehran and Baghdad in better management of Arbaeen ceremonies.

Iraq every year prepares itself for a huge religious ceremony in November.

Millions of pilgrims from different countries, including Iran, head to Iraq to participate in Arbaeen rituals held at the end of the 40-day mourning period following Ashura, the day the third Shia Imam was martyred.

Iraq and Iran step up their security cooperation on the occasion of Arbaeen pilgrimage to prevent possible terrorist attacks on the pilgrims.

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