Iraq’s president has said that his country and neighboring Iran share strong diplomatic ties built on history, culture, and mutual interests. The statement underlines how important the relationship between Baghdad and Tehran has become for politics, security, and trade in the Middle East.
Shared History and Culture
Iraq and Iran have a long history of interaction. The two countries share a border that stretches more than 1,000 kilometers, and millions of people cross it every year for trade, family visits, and religious pilgrimages. Both countries also have deep cultural and religious connections, especially through the Shi’a Muslim communities in each nation.
According to the Iraqi president, these shared traditions and values create a natural bond. He emphasized that the two governments must continue to build on this foundation to strengthen trust and cooperation.
Diplomatic Relations Today
In recent years, Baghdad and Tehran have increased their diplomatic exchanges. Leaders from both countries meet regularly to discuss issues such as trade, energy cooperation, and regional security. The Iraqi president highlighted that dialogue has helped resolve misunderstandings and prevent tensions from growing into bigger conflicts.
Iran is one of Iraq’s largest trading partners. Goods, fuel, and electricity often flow across the border, making Iran a vital supplier for Iraq’s economy. In return, Iraq provides Iran with markets for agricultural and industrial products.
Security Cooperation
Security has been a major area of cooperation between the two countries. Both Iraq and Iran have faced threats from extremist groups, particularly ISIS. Over the past decade, Iran supported Iraq’s fight against terrorism by providing training, weapons, and intelligence.
The Iraqi president acknowledged this help, saying that regional stability depends on close coordination. He stressed that Baghdad will continue working with Tehran to ensure that threats like terrorism do not return.
Balancing International Relations
At the same time, Iraq is careful to balance its relations with Iran and other international partners, including the United States and Arab neighbors. The Iraqi president explained that Iraq wants to play the role of a bridge, encouraging dialogue rather than conflict.
He said that by maintaining strong diplomatic ties with Iran while also cooperating with other countries, Iraq hopes to promote peace in the region. This balanced approach is important because Iraq does not want to become a battleground for larger powers.
Looking Ahead
The Iraqi president expressed optimism about the future of Iraq-Iran relations. He said both governments are committed to strengthening economic partnerships, improving border security, and increasing cultural exchanges. More agreements on trade and energy are expected in the coming years.
He also emphasized that strong ties between Baghdad and Tehran benefit not only the two countries but also the wider Middle East. By working together, Iraq and Iran can help reduce tensions and encourage cooperation among other neighboring states.
Conclusion
The Iraqi president’s comments make it clear that Iraq sees its relationship with Iran as central to its foreign policy. Despite regional challenges, Baghdad and Tehran continue to enjoy strong diplomatic ties, with hopes that their partnership will bring greater stability and prosperity to both nations.