Raisi made the remarks in a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi in New York on Tuesday evening local time, saying that we hope the political trend in Iraq will result in formation of a powerful government via dialogue and mutual understanding as soon as possible.
During the meeting which was held at the hotel, where President Raisi is staying in New York, the Iranian chief executive conveyed heartful appreciation of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and the Iranian administration for the Iraqi government and people’s sincere hospitality in the Arbaeen procession, when millions of people march towards Karbala in Iraq in order to mark 40 days after Ashura event, which is martyrdom of Imam Hussain (PBUH).
The Iranian president also expressed optimism that the political trend of parliamentary elections in Iraq would reach a consensus following dialogue and mutual understanding among Iraqi factions in order to form a powerful government.
Raisi also expressed gratitude for Iraqi government and its prime minister’s good faith and efforts to improve political relationships among regional nations, including Saudi Arabia and Iran, noting that the Islamic Republic welcomes reformation of ties with Saudi Arabia, but Tehran insists on the issue that improvement of relations should be pursued based on achieved agreements and understandings in talks between officials of both countries in Iraq.
The Islamic Republic has always given importance to the interests of the Islamic ummah (nations) when it came to regional interactions, the president argued.
Urging the Iraqi side to resolve obstacle in the way of implementing a railway project from Basra in Iraq to Shalamcheh in Iran, Raisi noted that finalization of the project will be very helpful for facilitating pilgrims’ transportation to holy shrines in both countries.
For his part, Al-Kadhimi appreciated Iranian official and people’s satisfaction for Iraqis’ hospitality, saying that the Iraqi people have fulfilled their duty in dealing with pilgrims of Imam Hussain’s shrine.
The Iraqi premier also informed the Iranian president of the latest political developments in Iraq, expressing gratitude for the Islamic Republic of Iran’s good faith and efforts to expand mutual collaborations.