Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih Al-Zaidi pledged to strengthen strategic ties during talks in Tehran, highlighting the deep historical bonds between the two neighbors as the Iraqi premier began an official visit to Iran.
Pezeshkian held talks with Al-Zaidi, who arrived in Tehran on Thursday at the head of a high-level delegation to discuss bilateral relations and regional issues.
According to a statement from the Iranian presidency, the two leaders underscored the deep historical, cultural, religious and people-to-people ties between Iran and Iraq, describing them as a valuable asset that should be preserved and strengthened to expand strategic cooperation.
They also called for the swift implementation of existing bilateral agreements, saying this would help advance relations and serve the mutual interests of both countries.
The two sides stressed the need to make better use of shared capacities in politics, trade, the economy, transit, energy and regional cooperation. They also emphasized continued coordination and closer integration, saying broader cooperation would contribute to stability, security and prosperity in both countries while reinforcing regional solidarity.
Earlier in the day, Pezeshkian formally welcomed Al-Zaidi at Tehran’s Saadabad Complex.
The Iraqi prime minister’s itinerary also includes a private meeting with Pezeshkian, a joint session of senior delegations and the signing of bilateral cooperation documents.
Ahead of the visit, Al-Zaidi said in a post on X that he would meet senior Iranian officials to discuss issues of mutual interest and ways to expand bilateral cooperation.
He said the talks would also cover regional developments and efforts to strengthen security and stability across the region.
“Iraq and Iran are bound by historical and civilizational ties, shared borders and common interests,” Al-Zaidi wrote. “These require continued dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect to promote sustainable development and prosperity for both nations, while supporting regional and international security and stability.”
The visit comes one week after Al-Zaidi met US President Donald Trump at the White House. Some media reports have suggested the Iraqi premier may be carrying messages from Washington, although neither Baghdad nor Tehran has publicly confirmed those claims.
