Iran, Iraq for political solution to Syria crisis

Iran's First Vice-President Es-haq Jahangiri and visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki affirmed Wednesday the need to reach a political solution to the conflict in Syria. In a joint press conference with his guest following their talks, Jahangiri said Iran and Iraq have pressed for a political solution since the outbreak of the crisis in Syria. " Political solution is the only way out the situation in Syria," he said, reaffirming opposition to any exacerbation of the conflict. Jahangiri voiced hope that the planned Geneva II Conference on Syria would help put an end to the conflict. He noted that Iran and Iraq share identical views on regional issues such as the crisis in Syria and the combat against terrorism. The talks with Iraqi Prime Minister lead to consensus on a host of issues including the need to cement the bilateral ties in such areas as joint investment, energy and housing, he added. On his part, Al-Maliki reaffirmed support to the unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of all countries in the region, and to the efforts to solve the crisis in Syria through dialogue. He added that the talks he held with the Iranian leaders lead to an agreement to increase visit exchanges by senior officials from other countries in order to serve the common interests. An agreement has been reached to increase bilateral trade volume from the current USD three billion to USD 12 - 15 billion, he added. This morning Al-Maliki started his first visit to Tehran after Iranian President Hassan Rohani took office.