Iraq, Iran discuss ties, cooperation on basis of fight against Islamic State

(MENAFN - Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) BAGHDAD, April 26 (KUNA) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhemi discussed on Monday with visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Mohamad Javad Zarif a number of files of common concern and regional issues, according to an official statement.The two sides discussed bilateral relations, means of boosting commercial exchanges and payment of some dues by the two countries. They also discussed common security threats on grounds of the cooperation that had existed in the fight against the so-called Islamic State.The statement quoted Al-Kadhemi as calling for communication between the two countries' officials in the shadow of rapid developments in the region and the world.For his part, Zarif underscored the key role played by the Iraqi Government with respect of the bilateral relations, regional files and its advocacy of dialogue for maintaining the regional security and peace.Zarif expressed opposition to "any action that may undermine Iraq's security," the official statement added.The Iranian minister arrived in the country earlier today on an official visit. (end) ahh.rk MENAFN26042021000071011013ID1101986371