Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani has praised friendly relations between the Islamic Republic and Iraq, calling for more political and economic ties between the two sides.
Larijani made the remarks in a meeting with Iraqi Kurdistan Prime Minister Barham Ahmad Salih on Sunday, IRNA reported.
Underlining the cultural and religious commonalities between the two countries, the Iranian official said Iraq-Iran relations can improve in all spheres.
He further called for more trade transactions between the Iraq's Kurdistan and Iran, PressTV reported.
Larijani also noted that Iraq has an important role in the security of the region, expressing hope that the two countries can cooperate to better the regional security.
The visiting Iraqi official also expressed gratitude for Tehran's efforts in establishing peace and security in Iraq.
Earlier in the day, Salih met with the Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Saeed Jalili.
Jalili told Salih that lasting security in the Middle East is contingent upon closer regional cooperation, noting that the formation of new Iraqi government with the participation of all groups serves as a major step towards national development and stability.
The Iranian official further said Tehran and Baghdad have broad and cordial ties, adding that closer mutual cooperation can serve the interests of all regional nations as well.
Salih also met with Iran's Caretaker Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi on Saturday.