A top Iranian diplomat says it hopes that Tehran, Baghdad, Ankara, and Damascus would form an alliance to promote regional peace and security, Tehran Times 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 said Iraq has a high status in Iran's foreign policy.
He added cooperation between Iran and Iraq 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 said Iran is ready to help implement infrastructure projects in Iraq.
--Salehi hopes occupiers would leave Iraq soon
Salehi also expressed hope that foreign troops would leave Iraq as soon as possible and security affairs would be handed over to Iraqis themselves.
Salehi also dismissed claims that Iran is interfering in Iraqi internal affairs.
Those who make such remarks should present evidence to prove their claims, Salehi said in a joint press conference with Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zibari.
He went on to say that "Iran will not be secure, if Iraq is not secure," and that is why Tehran must help Baghdad to promote security in Iraq.
"Since we are neighbors, we have to cooperate to solve problems."
Salehi, a fluent Arabic speaker, also said Iran's stance on Iraq is based on its territorial integrity, national sovereignty, stability, and political independence.
Zibari expressed hope Iraq will find a way to expel the terrorist Mojahedin Khalq Organization from his country.
On demarcation of the joint borders, Zibari said the two countries are currently working to demarcate the borders with bars.
Elsewhere in his remarks, he said Baghdad will take necessary security measures for the Iranian pilgrims who visit Iraq.