Iran, Iraq discuss ways to expand parliamentary relations

Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani and his Iraqi counterpart Osama al-Nujaifi in a meeting in Tehran explored avenues for the further development of parliamentary relations between the two neighboring states. During the meeting in the Iranian capital on Sunday, Larijani and al-Nujaifi underlined the need for exchange of parliamentary information and experience, aimed at expanding and deepening comprehensive bilateral ties. During the meeting, Larijani stressed the necessity for broadening parliamentary ties between Tehran and Baghdad. “Iran-Iraq cooperation plays an important role in the maintenance of peace and security in the region,” the Iranian parliament speaker added. Larijani pointed to the terrorist operations in Iraq, and said, “Iran believes that the terrorist attacks in Iraq aim to sow the seed of sectarian discord among different tribes in the country.” Al-Nujaifi, for his part, said Iraq and Iran play pivotal roles in settling regional crisis, adding, “The ongoing crisis in Syria would not benefit the region and has targeted the interests of the Muslim states.” Iran and Iraq have enjoyed growing ties ever since the overthrow of the former Iraqi dictator, Saddam Hussein, during the 2003 US invasion of the Muslim country.