Iran’s Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani has praised the “very influential” role of Iraqi President Jalal Talabani in regional developments and his efforts to establish the democratic government in Iraq.

Larijani held two separate telephone conversations with Iraqi Parliament Speaker Osama al-Nujaifi and former Kurdistan Prime Minister Barham Salih on Wednesday and was informed about the latest physical and health condition of Talabani, who suffered a stroke Monday night, and wished him prompt recovery.

“The Iraqi president is among the great and influential figures in the region, he has a leading role in the formation of the new democratic government in Iraq… He has been very influential in the scene of regional developments,” Larijani said.

He also hailed the Iraqi president’s efforts to improve amicable ties between Tehran and Baghdad.

The 79-year-old Iraqi president, who has been suffering various health problems in recent years, was admitted to a hospital in Baghdad in critical condition. His office announced on Thursday that he is heading to Germany for treatment.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi held a separate phone conversation with his Iraqi counterpart Hoshyar Zebari on Wednesday, and was briefed about the latest health condition of the Iraqi president.


The Iraqi foreign minister, for his part, appreciated Iran’s especial concern for Talabani.

Earlier on Wednesday, President Ahmadinejad expressed Iran’s readiness to cooperate in the process of his ailing Iraqi counterpart’s treatment.

He said the Islamic Republic is ready to provide all-out cooperation in the Iraqi president’s treatment given the valuable experience and specialization of Iranian physicians.
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News ID 183702