Iran's caretaker Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi has hailed the role of Iraqi Kurd officials in the establishment of Iraq's new government, PressTV reported.
"Kurds proved that their presence and action is important in uniting Iraqi factions," Salehi said in a meeting with Iraqi Kurdistan Prime Minister Barham Salih on Saturday in Tehran.
Salehi added that Iran has always helped Iraqi Kurds whenever they encountered problems, especially during former Iraqi Dictator Saddam Hussein's government.
"This trip is a good opportunity [for you] to become acquainted with our country's capabilities and we are ready to offer you our experiences and facilities," the Iranian official said.
Salehi suggested a conference on investment opportunities in Iraq's Kurdistan to be held for merchants and traders from both countries, and inform them of existing capacities.
Salih said he is was conveying the message of Iraqi officials including President Jalal Talibani, President of the Kurdistan Regional Government Massoud Barzani and other Kurdish officials for expanding ties with Iran.
Salehi visited Iraq last week and held talks with senior Iraqi officials on bilateral relations and regional issues.
He was welcomed by Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari at Baghdad International Airport upon his arrival.
In addition to holding meeting with prominent political Iraqi figures, the Iranian top foreign ministry official held talks with Iraq's senior Shia cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani