A top Iranian diplomat says it hopes that Tehran, Baghdad, Ankara, and Damascus form an alliance to take major steps for promotion of regional peace and security, MNA reported.
Iranian Acting Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi made the proposal in a meeting with Iraqi Parliament Speaker Osama al-Najafi in Baghdad on Wednesday.
In a separate meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki, Salehi also said cooperation will benefit the entire region.
Maliki also said regional nations should make efforts to strengthen their unity.
The prime minister also said Baghdad plans to take serious steps to expand ties with Tehran.
Salehi also told Maliki that Tehran is ready to help implement infrastructure projects in Iraq.
The acting minister went on to say that Iraq has a high status in Iran's foreign policy.