Iraqi President Barham Salih and his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani discussed bilateral relations and the importance of ensuring foreign powers do not interfere in the region.
Rouhani expressed satisfaction that the political process in Iraq in wake of the formation of a new government, said a statement from the Iranian presidency.
"Political stability in Iraq is important for the region, and it will certainly be a precondition for Iraq to regain a prominent role in the region,” he said.
He noted that the regional countries are facing many problems, such as the decline in oil prices, the spread of coronavirus, security problems and US interference in their internal affairs.
“Strengthening comprehensive relations and cooperation between friends can be a way to overcome problems,” said Rouhani.
Rouhani stressed the importance of developing economic relations and cooperation between the two countries, telling Salih: “We must try to return the trade exchanges between the two countries to the previous routine by fully observing health protocols at all common borders.”
Tehran is demanding that Iraq resumes trade exchange and opens crossings, which were closed after the spread of COVID-19. The request comes at a time when the number of coronavirus cases has increased in Iraq, which prompted the authorities to announce a lockdown in various neighborhoods of Baghdad and other provinces.
The Iraqi presidency said Salih and Rouhani discussed ways of strengthening bilateral relations and developing mutual cooperation to serve the interests of the two neighboring peoples.
The statement, a copy of which was received by Asharq Al-Awsat, said they agreed on the importance of boosting Iraq's sovereignty and security, which would promote peace and stability for the region.
Rouhani and Salih also underlined the importance of coordinating and cooperating to address the coronavirus outbreak and limit its spread.
Meanwhile, head of the Iraqi Center for Political Thought, Ihsan al-Shammari said Iran is “depending” on the current political equation in Iraq, because it believes it is welcomed by the United States and even the Arab world.
With the Iraqi president, prime minister and parliament speaker assuming control in Iraq, the country could once against attract Arab and western countries to share a space with Iran, he told Asharq Al-Awsat.
Iran, he explained, views Iraq as an arena where it can ease tensions with these parties and it could even serve as a platform to reach “comprehensive calm”.
He said the phone call between Salih and Rouhani is part of Iran’s policy to ensure Iraq plays a greater role in the region.
