Iraqi Parliament Speaker Osama al-Nujaifi in a meeting with Iranian First Vice-President Mohammad Reza Rahimi in Baghdad stressed that he was willing to lead a parliamentary delegation in a visit to Tehran, Fars news agency reported.
"Today is the best day for bilateral relations and meeting with Iranian officials has made us extremely happy," al-Nujaifi said, adding that an Iraqi parliamentary delegation is ready to visit Tehran.
He also said that Iraq wants peace and integrity and there are possibilities for expansion of cooperation with other countries, especially Iran, in light of national unity.
Rahimi for his part said that the current conditions prevailing in the Middle East necessitate promotion of Tehran-Baghdad relations
Rahimi said, "Regarding conditions prevailing in the Middle East, the necessity of enhanced Tehran-Baghdad relations is felt more than ever before."
He said Iran and Iraq share historical, religious and social commonalties as well as common borders, which double the need for expansion of bilateral relations.
He noted that Iran, supporting Iraq's territorial integrity, believes that a united Iraqi government will be able to guarantee the country's security by relying on domestic sources.
Referring to his talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki on Wednesday afternoon, Rahimi said the two sides made decision to speedily prepare the ground for expansion of mutual cooperation.
"Our message to Iraqi brothers in my visit is that Iran is fully ready to expand ties with Baghdad. We announced that Tehran is prepared to put its scientific, technical, engineering, economic and commercial potentials at the disposal of Iraq."
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