Unity will Uproot Terrorism in Iraq: Rouhani

TEHRAN- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has praised the recent victories of the Iraqi army and popular forces against terrorist groups, saying the reinforcement of unity among Iraqis of all ethnicities and faiths will certainly uproot terrorism in the country.

The Islamic Republic of Iran will continue to stand by the Iraqi government and nation until the end of their battle against terrorism, Rouhani said in a meeting with visiting Iraqi Parliament Speaker Salim al-Jabouri in Tehran on Saturday.

 He added that the Iraqi parliament is a symbol of unity and fraternity among Iraqis of all ethnicities and faiths and can boost national unity by taking on an integrated role in the fight against terrorism.

“Unfortunately, some countries in the region are influenced by different factors, such as the Zionists, and are following a wrong path. This is while people want all these countries to struggle for the region’s development and prosperity side by side,” the Iranian president said.

Rouhani further said that increasing consultations between Iran and Iraq is necessary for promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.

Iran, Iraq must help boost Mideast stability

The Iraqi parliament speaker, for his part, said the settlement of regional problems hinges on cooperation and unity among all countries.

Jabouri added that Iran and Iraq must strengthen cooperation and make efforts to establish peace and security in Iraq and across the region.

He said Iran has always supported the Iraqi government and people in the campaign against terrorism and played a significant role in this regard.

Iran stands by Iraq under any circumstances: Zarif

Later, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, during his meeting with al-Jabouri, hailed the key role of Iraqi senior officials in establishing political stability in the country, saying Tehran will always stand by Baghdad.

“Iraq is at the forefront of campaign against terrorism and extremism, and Iran will stand by the Iraqi government and nation under any circumstances,” Zarif said.

He added the Iraqi government and nation have been successful in the battle against extremism and terrorism so far and expressed confidence that they would successfully see out the final stages of the fight against terrorists in the northern city of Mosul through unity and solidarity among all tribes, ethnicities and faiths in the country.

The top Iranian diplomat also warned against foreigners’ moves to create sectarian strife in the region, particularly in Iraq, and stressed the importance of remaining vigilant to foil such plots.

 Zarif said all regional countries must strengthen their cooperation, adding, “Iran does not seek conflict and unsound rivalry in the region and regards the creation of crisis and tension by some countries as detrimental to the interests of all regional nations.”

The Iranian foreign minister emphasized that stability, peace and territorial integrity of regional countries must always stand as priorities for all nations.

Necessity of defeating terrorists in Iraq

Jabouri, for his part, praised Iran’s support for the Iraqi nation in its fight against terrorist groups and said terrorism is the most important threat to all countries in the Middle East.

The Iraqi parliament speaker added that peace must be restored to Iraq and the entire region through unity, coherence and defeat of terrorists.

Jabouri arrived in Tehran on Saturday to hold talks with senior Iranian officials on the latest developments in Iraq and other countries in the Middle East.

Press TV

H.M