Baghdad: A senior advisor to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution has congratulated the successful holding of the Iraqi parliamentary elections, adding that a bright and prosperous future awaits Iran-Iraq bilateral cooperation.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Advisor to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei on International Relations, Ali Akbar Velayati, expressed his congratulations in a message on Thursday. He commended the patient and resilient people of Iraq for their significant victory in shaping their country’s future and emphasized Iraq’s role in the region.

Velayati highlighted Iraq’s historical significance, noting its over 5,000-year-old legacy as a founder of human civilization. He praised the Sumerians’ civilization as a remarkable early manifestation of human achievement.

He further acknowledged the Iraqi people’s important role in the flourishing of Islamic civilization, describing Iraq as a major scientific hub in the Islamic world for many centuries. The message paid tribute to the Iraqi people’s devotion to the Ahl al-Bayt (a.s.) and their sacrifices throughout history.

The message also mentioned the presence of holy shrines in Iraq, reflecting the deep faith and unity among the Iraqi people. Velayati commended the diverse tribes and sects of Iraq, including Shiites, Sunnis, and Kurds, for their commitment to protecting the sanctity of the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.).

Velayati praised the recent elections in Iraq as passionate, healthy, and peaceful, showcasing the political and social maturity of the Iraqi nation. He expressed hope that these elections would send a clear message to foreign powers that Iraq’s fate would not be influenced by external interference.

Concluding his message, Velayati emphasized the strong historical, cultural, religious, and civilizational ties between Iran and Iraq. He expressed optimism for a prosperous future of cooperation between the two nations.