Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian to Visit Iraq

Tehran, The Gulf Observer: Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian will make his first foreign visit since taking office in late July, traveling to Iraq on Wednesday. The visit, in response to an official invitation from Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani, is seen as a significant step in bolstering ties between the two neighboring countries.

During his stay, President Pezeshkian is set to meet with high-ranking Iraqi officials to discuss a range of bilateral issues. The meetings will culminate in the signing of key cooperation and security agreements aimed at strengthening relations and addressing mutual concerns.

Mohammad Mehdi Shahriari, a member of Iran’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, emphasized the strategic importance of Pezeshkian’s visit in an interview with media. Shahriari stated that the trip aligns with the president’s broader foreign policy goals of deepening relationships with neighboring states, promoting economic development, and resolving long-standing issues.

“The priority of foreign policy is undoubtedly to elevate relations with the neighboring countries of the Islamic Republic,” Shahriari said, underscoring the importance of continuous interaction and engagement. He highlighted that a pressing issue to be addressed during the visit is the unresolved matter of border demarcation between Iran and Iraq, a legacy of their past conflicts.

“After the war, there has been a ceasefire, but the border issues remain unresolved,” Shahriari added, referring to the need for a long-term solution to the border dispute.

On August 28, Iran’s Ambassador to Baghdad, Mohammad Kazem Al-e-Sadeq, confirmed President Pezeshkian’s upcoming visit in an interview. The ambassador noted that the president’s trip reflects the desire of both nations to enhance diplomatic and economic relations, as well as to address security challenges.

Since being sworn in as Iran’s ninth president on July 30, Pezeshkian has prioritized reducing regional tensions and fostering stronger ties with neighboring and allied nations. His administration has consistently stressed the importance of working with countries that have stood by Iran during challenging times, as part of a broader strategy to promote peace and cooperation.