Jahangiri: Iran stands by Iraqi brothers, Kurdistan region administration

He made the remarks in meeting with former Prime Minister of Iraqi Kurdistan Region and Deputy Secretary General of Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) Barham Saleh.

According to IRNA, Jahangiri expressed hope that restoration of stability and security in Iraq would create an opportunity for the Iraqi economic development.

He evaluated role of Peshmerga and Iraqi military and popular forces in campaign against Takfiris very effective and expressed hope that joint cooperation of the Iraqi forces would lead to total demolition of terrorism in Iraq.

Jahangiri said that Iran is following issues between Erbil and Baghdad, calling for dialogue between Erbil and Baghdad considering interests of Iraqi people.

Jahangiri said that the talks between the Iraqi government and Iraqi Kurdistan administration would be fruitful and that the disputes woould be resolved to make the existing capacities of Erbil administration and Baghdad government would be channeled for economic development of the country.

Jahangiri said that economic relations between Iran and Iraqi Kurdistan region are satisfactory and that they are on growing and positive trend.

He said that Iran committed to Iraqi national security and Iraqi Kurdistan region and considers Iraq security as its own and expected reciprocity so that Iraqi and the Kurdish brothers would be obliged to uphold Iranian national security.

The VP wished health and immediate recovery for former Iraqi President Jalal Talabani.

Barham Saleh underlined that Iran has very important role in fight against terrorism and pointed out: 'We consider Iran as our strategic ally.'

He said that relations with Iran have special importance for us.

Saleh called the Iraqi Kurdistan's role in confrontation with terrorism very important, saying that Peshmerga, Iraqi armed forces and the popular volunteer forces are playing important role in fight against terrorism.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has always been on the vanguard of confrontation with terrorism.

Barham Saleh said, 'Jalal Talabani thought us lessons and explained importance of having ties with Iran and that Iran has always been a supporter for Iraqis.'
He said that Iran and Iraq have common security and Iraq is committed to Iran's security as well.