Iraq’s parliament speaker Heit al-Halbousi on Wednesday called on Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf to strengthen friendship committees and parliamentary diplomacy between Iraq and Iran, while also urging special consideration for Iraq’s oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to a statement from the speaker’s media office, the two sides discussed ways to boost bilateral relations, activate friendship committees and expand coordination between the two parliaments.
Push to deepen parliamentary ties
Al-Halbousi welcomed the Iranian delegation and stressed the importance of strengthening Iraq-Iran relations and expanding cooperation in various fields, especially at the parliamentary level.
He said activating friendship committees and expanding parliamentary diplomacy would serve the interests of both neighbouring peoples.
Iraq’s exposure to regional developments
The speaker noted that Iraq is among the countries most affected by the region’s shifting circumstances and called for Iraq’s relationship with Iran to be taken into account in energy matters.
He said Iraq should receive special consideration regarding oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz, in a way that protects its economic interests.
Tehran says it wants broader cooperation
For his part, Ghalibaf thanked Iraq on behalf of Iran’s parliament, government and people, and said Tehran is keen to deepen bilateral cooperation in all areas, especially trade and the economy.
He also stressed the importance of activating friendship committees, strengthening parliamentary coordination and following up on the implementation of agreements signed between the two countries.
Regional and international issues discussed
The statement said the talks also covered regional and international developments, with both sides exchanging views on several issues of mutual concern.
Prime minister also highlights strong ties
In a separate meeting, Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaydi discussed prospects for joint cooperation with Ghalibaf, saying Iraq and Iran have deep ties and many shared historical, geographic and religious bonds.
The prime minister’s office said the meeting reviewed ways to deepen bilateral relations in various fields in the interest of both neighbouring peoples.
Appreciation for Iranian support
Al-Zaydi praised Iran’s support for Iraq, especially during the fight against ISIS, while Ghalibaf expressed satisfaction with his visit to Iraq and praised Baghdad’s efforts to receive and serve Iranian pilgrims during Arbaeen.
He said Tehran wants to continue developing bilateral relations and broaden cooperation in ways that serve the shared interests of both peoples.
Conclusion:
The meetings between Iraqi and Iranian officials highlight the continuing political and economic coordination between Baghdad and Tehran, with special consideration for Iraq’s oil exports through Hormuz emerging as a key issue given the strategic importance of the waterway for Iraq’s economy.
