Iraq president calls for “deep-rooted” ties with Iran

22 August 2005

Tehran Times

SANANDAJ, Kordestan Prov. (IRNA) -- Iraqi President Jalal Talabani stresses expansion of deep-rooted friendly ties with Iran in all fields, an Iraqi official said here on Friday.

President Talabani's Representative Abdullah Haji Saeed made the remark in a meeting with members of Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Mines, Chamber of Cooperatives and Industry House of this western province.

Iraq is interested in establishment of friendly ties with the Islamic Republic and the Iranian nation, he said.

Referring to historical bonds between the two countries, he added that Iraq's new Constitution is an appropriate ground for promotion of trade and economic cooperation with Iran.

Based on the new Constitution, Iraq provides the Iranian private sector with special facilities, he said.

Haji Saeed further stated that Iraq, particularly the Iraqi Kordestan, is in need of Iran's technical, engineering and industrial know-how.

Also addressing the meeting, Head of the provincial Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Mines, Mohammad Mohseni, said there are great potentials in Iraqi Kurd provinces for active presence of private sector of Iran's Kordestan in various development projects.

Such move would consolidate Tehran-Baghdad economic relations, he added.

He further briefed the audience on Kordestan's great industrial and economic potentials.