Iran Minister: Iraq not a place for regional rivalries

General Hatami in his meeting with Faleh al-Fayadh Iraqi National Security Advisor and Head of Iraq Volunteer Forces (Hashd al-Sha'abi) in Baghdad, reiterated that Iran does not support military operations in north of Iraq and believes that national sovereignty of all countries should be respected.

Referring to defensive cooperation between the two neighboring nations in the fight against terrorism, the Iranian general called it a very good model of bilateral cooperation.

Hatami added that the successful model of cooperation between Iran and Iraq could also be used by other countries in the region.

General Hatami urged importance of creation of a high commission of joint defensive cooperation by Iran and Iraq.

He also said that Iran is ready to participate in reconstruction of Iraq.
In the meantime, General Hatami called establishment of a quadrilateral committee comprised of Iran, Iraq, Russia and Syria as an appropriate and full-fledged model for the fight against terrorism in the region.

Fight against Daesh (ISIS) show that the two great nations of Iran and Iraq have always stood by each other during difficult time, he said.

Irresponsible and criminal acts committed by the West and the so-called human rights advocates in the region and the recent missile attack on Syria conducted by US, Britain and France are all evidence to interventions of foreign countries in the region and their attempts to determine fate of the regional countries.

Al-Fayadh, for his part, expressed hope for the talks and negotiations between Iranian and Iraqi officials to serve as a ground for more engagements between Tehran and Baghdad and further technical and defensive cooperation between the two countries.
He said that bilateral economic, political, cultural and defensive relations between Iran and Iraq are deeply- rooted and vital.

Such relations will not be influenced by foreign interferences, he added.

Given Iran's invaluable experience in the fight against terrorism, Al-Fayadh expressed hope for Iraq to use Iran's experiences in the best way.

Defense Minister Amir Hatami arrived in Baghdad on Wednesday for a two-day visit.

During his stay, he will examine with the Iraqi officials ways to further bilateral defensive and security cooperation between the two nations.

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