Iran, Iraq united in fighting terrorism in region: Minister

EghtesadOnline: Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan says Iran and Iraq are united in fighting terrorism in the region.

News ID: ۷۴۲۹۳۳

23 July 2017

Dehqan made the remarks on Saturday in a meeting which was held after a ceremony to welcome Iraqi Defense Minister Erfan al-Hiyali who arrived in Tehran on Saturday, IRNA reported.

Iranian and Iraq ministers held talks on bilateral regional and international issues.

He expressed congratulations over recent victories of Iraqi forces against terrorism and the liberation of Mosul as well.

'We believe that the victory has been the result of Iraqi people's courage and unity,' he said.

He pointed to territorial unity and national integrity as the guarantors of stability, security and caring for the interest of all Iraqi people.

Iranian minister also referred to some regional countries' support for terrorism and being accomplices to the US and the Zionist Regime in making the region insecure.

He called for a regional and international consensus to uproot terrorism.

Iran will continue supporting Iraq and 'we will take advantage of entire political, economic and military capabilities to safeguard Iraq,' he added.

He expressed hope for Iraqi minister's tour to Iran and signing MoU to bolster defense ties between the two countries.

Meanwhile, al-Hiyali pointed to Iran-Iraq common views, aims and interests, stressing promotion of defense-military relations and cooperation.

He also referred to Grand Ayatollah Sistani's Fatwa as a guarantee for the victory of Iraq.

Mosul fell in June 2014, when Daesh in an attack took control of the city. Iraqi forces launched the operation to retake Mosul on October 16, 2016.

The eastern part of Mosul was recaptured from Daesh in about three months and the most populated part of the city, known as the Old City of Mosul, in the western bank of Tigris River was liberated in recent days.