Iraq Ambassador to Tehran Emphasizes Deepening Bilateral Ties with Iran

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Dr. Yasser Abdulzahra Al-Hajj, the Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the Islamic Republic of Iran, has articulated his commitment to representing his nation in a country with which Iraq shares deep historical, geographical, human, cultural, and religious bonds. Ambassador Al-Hajj emphasized Iraq’s perspective on its relations with regional neighbors, particularly Iran, which are founded on good neighborliness, mutual respect, and shared interests.

He noted that regional stability is achievable only through cooperation, dialogue, and confidence-building among nations, with economic development serving as the most sustainable path to consolidating security and stability. Iraq views its surrounding environment as a strategic depth and a key partner in building a more prosperous future for the region’s peoples.

In recent years, Iraq-Iran relations have seen significant progress across political, economic, cultural, and social spheres, leveraging their historical legacy and deep popular connections. Ambassador Al-Hajj expressed confidence that these ties can advance further through expanded economic partnerships, encouragement of investment, development of trade exchanges, and strengthening of connectivity, transportation, and energy projects to serve mutual interests.

Concurrently, Iraq continues to pursue a balanced foreign policy rooted in its national principles. This policy prioritizes engagement with all parties, avoids alignment with political blocs, and seeks to bridge the perspectives of fraternal and friendly nations. Iraq believes dialogue is the optimal approach to resolving differences, with regional cooperation being the true guarantor of security and stability.

Iraq possesses significant soft power, derived from its civilizational standing, historical relations, and its social, cultural, and religious connections with its neighbors. This positions Iraq to play a positive role in supporting stability and fostering regional understanding.

Relations with Iran hold a paramount position in Iraq’s priorities due to their exceptional importance in political, economic, and social dimensions. Ambassador Al-Hajj’s mission in Tehran aims to foster bilateral relations based on a clear Iraqi vision emphasizing mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs, and broadening cooperation for the benefit of both nations and their friendly peoples.

In this context, the forthcoming visit of Mr. Ali Al-Zaidi, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq, to Tehran is of considerable significance. This visit signals Iraq’s dedication to enhancing bilateral relations, expanding partnership horizons, and strengthening coordination on matters of mutual concern, reflecting Iraq’s ongoing approach of dialogue, engagement, and confidence-building.

In recent years, Iraq has enhanced its regional and international standing by strengthening state institutions, adopting a balanced foreign policy, and leveraging its regional and international relationships for development and stability. This trajectory has solidified Iraq’s position as a reliable partner and a capable country in building bridges between various parties.

The strength of Iraq-Iran relations extends beyond official state ties, resting on the depth of connections between their peoples, stemming from shared civilizational heritage and deep-rooted human, cultural, and religious values.

These connections are vividly demonstrated on various occasions, particularly in human dimensions. A notable example was the widespread participation of the Iraqi populace in the funeral rites for the martyred cleric, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, held in Iraq, reflecting profound respect, appreciation, and popular connection between the two countries.

Furthermore, the annual Arbaeen pilgrimage stands out as a prominent manifestation of this closeness, an event that embodies fraternity, solidarity, mutual aid, and civilizational bonds. It underscores that Iraq-Iran relations are not solely based on shared interests but also supported by deep popular, social, and cultural foundations that lend them continuity and unique character.

The future of Iraq-Iran relations should be built upon leveraging shared capacities and strengths, expanding economic and cultural cooperation, and bolstering political dialogue. This approach serves the interests of both nations and contributes to strengthening regional security and stability.

This is the message Ambassador Al-Hajj carries to Tehran: a belief that good neighborliness is not merely a foreign policy principle but a strategic choice for constructing a more stable and prosperous future for the entire region.