policy
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi affirmed on Monday, during his current visit to Iraq for the Arbaeen pilgrimage of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him), that relations with the Iraqi government are currently in their best state. He described the Arbaeen ceremonies as a "major maneuver" demonstrating the unity of the Iraqi and Iranian peoples, pointing to close cooperation between the two countries spanning economic, trade, security, and border issues. In statements to an official news agency, Araqchi reported his arrival in the holy city of Najaf, en route to Karbala to commemorate Arbaeen. He expressed admiration for the high-level preparations and arrangements made for pilgrims, praising their satisfaction with the quality of services provided this year compared to previous years, which reflects continuous improvement in organizing this significant event. He added that these ceremonies underscore the unity of the two peoples, with participants from both countries forming the largest proportion, thereby solidifying their religious and ideological ties. He noted that this cohesion was clearly evident previously during the funeral ceremonies of Sayyed al-Shaheed Ali Khamenei, emphasizing the deep sentiments and rooted unity between the two nations. Regarding bilateral relations, Araqchi stated that they are "in their best state," citing the "very fruitful" discussions held in Tehran during the recent visit of the Iraqi Prime Minister. He further indicated that the Iranian-Iraqi cooperation is robust and multifaceted, covering political fields through unified stances on common issues, in addition to economic and security aspects. It also includes close coordination for securing shared borders, regulating cross-border trade, and developing joint transit lines.
