Minister: Iraq firm on development of ties with Iran

In a meeting with Governor General of Khorsasn Razavi province Ali Reza Rashidian, the Iraqi minister said that millions of pilgrims travel to Iraq from Iran every year, especially in Arba'ein Rituals, and Iraq has especial planning to provide security and discipline for pilgrims.

He added that in recent years the Iraqi government has tried to create facilities and better conditions for the pilgrims.

Al-Araji said the issue of construction of railway between Mashad-Najaf, which was underlined by President Rouhani, will be followed up in Baghdad.

Rashidian said that the Islamic Republic of Iran has established appropriate interactions with Iraq and every year plenty of pilgrims either visit Iraq or come to Iran.

He said that Pakistan and Afghanistan are pleased for current situation in Iraq and many of their pilgrims enter to Iran through Razavi Khorasan border to go to Iraq.

Rashidian said Iran issues 3-month visa for Iraqi citizens at Mashad International Airport.

He also pointed to rebuilding holy shrines in Iraq.

Qasim al-Araji arrived in Mashad on Tuesday morning to visit the holy shrine of the 8th Imam of Shia shrine.

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