Baghdad: Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi is set to visit Tehran this Thursday, marking a significant diplomatic engagement between Iraq and Iran. Discussions during the visit are expected to focus on enhancing bilateral cooperation and coordination on mutual interests, with the aim of bolstering regional security.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, the visit was finalized in a meeting in Baghdad between al-Zaidi and Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Kazem Al-Sadegh. This meeting underscored the importance of the visit, coming on the heels of al-Zaidi's successful diplomatic tour to Washington and Doha. The agenda for Tehran is expected to reassure Iran about Iraq's partnerships and reinforce Baghdad's role as a stabilizing force within the region.
Political analyst Atheer al-Sharaa explained that the meeting in Tehran aims to assure Iran that Iraq's partnership with Washington, which resulted in 48 agreements, is not a threat to any party. The discussions will also emphasize that Iraq will not be a battleground for international conflicts. Analyst Ali al-Habib noted that the Iraqi delegation's agenda in Tehran will prioritize border security, control of weapons by the state, and ensuring the continuous flow of Iranian gas to Iraq under international banking regulations.
Researcher Hussein al-Ta'i emphasized that diversifying Iraq's partnerships aligns with national needs, reinforcing Iraq's role in bridging regional differences and reducing tensions between Tehran and Washington. Al-Zawraa newspaper, associated with the Journalists Syndicate, reported that the meeting between Prime Minister al-Zaidi and Ambassador Al-Sadegh also focused on strengthening joint cooperation, a key feature of the upcoming visit.
Iraqi government spokesman Haider al-Aboudi announced that al-Zaidi's diplomatic efforts will extend to Turkey, where memoranda of understanding will be signed. Al-Aboudi highlighted the importance of Iraq's role in fostering dialogue and easing regional tensions, capitalizing on its balanced relationships with various international parties.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that al-Zaidi's visit to Iran will include the signing of several memoranda of understanding, which will enhance bilateral relations and serve the common interests of both nations. This initiative is part of Iraq's broader strategy to consolidate state sovereignty, strengthen the rule of law, and manage sovereign matters like weapon control independently.
The independent newspaper Sawt Al-Qalam echoed these sentiments, noting that the Prime Minister's office has emphasized the visit's potential to foster joint cooperation in various sectors, ultimately contributing to the security and stability of the region.