TEHRAN – Iran’s Home Minister Eskandar Momeni met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamed Shea al-Sudani on Saturday to make a two-day important visit focusing on strengthening relations between the two neighbouring countries. I did it.
The discussion focused mainly on border security, cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking, and improving the operational effectiveness of border gates.
According to a statement released by the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office, both authorities emphasized the importance of expanding bilateral ties and addressing mutual concerns.
Among the key issues discussed were shared border security in line with previously signed contracts and coordinated efforts to prevent trafficking of drugs and weapons. The two staff also recognized the key role in maintaining regional security and stability, focusing on ensuring smooth operation of border crossings.
The statement also holds extensive consultations on Momeni and Al-Sudani to promote the participation of Iranian pilgrims in Arbaeen Pilgrimage, a key religious event for millions of Shia Muslims. It has been revealed that. The two ministers also reaffirmed the implementation of memorandums between the internal ministries and agencies of both countries. This includes mutual recognition of driver’s licenses, making travel and mobility between nations easier for citizens.
Minister Momeni arrived in Baghdad on Saturday and was welcomed by Iraqi Interior Minister Major General Ziyad and Iran’s Ambassador to Iraq, Mohammad Qazem al-Sadek. The visit is an official invitation from Iraqi Home Minister Abdul Amir al-Shamari, and aims to deepen diplomatic cooperation on issues such as counterterrorism, regional security and border control. Furthermore, the discussion seeks to solve prominent border issues and streamline the coordination of Arbaeen Pilgrimage, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.
Along with Momeni, Ali Akbar Pouljamesidian, Brigadier General Teimor Hosseini, deputy minister of security law enforcement at Iran’s Ministry of Home Affairs and head of Iran’s traffic police, is also part of the delegation.
A key moment in Momeni’s visit was his strict visit to Baghdad Airport. There, he paid tribute to two respected figures, Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandi, who were martial artists on the 2020 US drone strike. The Minister of Home Affairs respected their memories, reflecting the deep respect of both countries for these influential leaders.
On March 19, 2023, Iran and Iraq signed a Baghdad security agreement aimed at strengthening cooperation in protecting shared borders.
As part of the agreement, the Iraqi government has pledged to disarm terrorists and separatist groups operating in the Kurdistan region by September 19, shut down military bases and move to camps managed by Baghdad authorities. did.
Iraqi Foreign Minister Huad Hussein confirmed on September 23 of that year that Iraq had fully enforced the terms of the security agreement.
The existence of Kurdish extremist groups, including the Kurdistan Democrats, Komara, the Kurdistan Free Life Party and the Kurdistan Liberal Party, has long been the point of competition between Iran and Iraq. These groups frequently launched attacks on Iranian territory.
Iran has repeatedly warned authorities in Iraqi Kurdistan that they would not tolerate the existence or activity of such groups along the northwestern border, and these areas will be used as safe shelters for anti-Iranian extremists. In cases, it emphasizes that you take decisive action.