Baghdad: Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf announced that during his recent visit to Iraq, it was decided that economic cooperation between Iran and Iraq would move into an operational phase. This development is expected to occur during the visit of an Iraqi Chamber of Commerce delegation to Iran, where they will engage with Chamber experts and business leaders.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Ghalibaf summarized the three-day visit of the Iranian parliamentary delegation to Iraq, highlighting that the discussions with high-ranking Iraqi officials were conducted in a spirit of fraternal cordiality. The meetings suggested that Iraq is nearing the final withdrawal of foreign and coalition forces that have been present in the country for years following their occupation of Iraqi territory and airspace.

Ghalibaf expressed hope that, with divine support, these foreign forces will soon withdraw from Iraq, allowing for the full independence and sovereignty of the Iraqi people and government. He described this potential development as highly significant and fundamental.

During his visit, Ghalibaf also explored security, political, economic, and cultural matters with Iraqi officials. A comprehensive memorandum of understanding on security and border security was signed between Iran and Iraq, underscoring the depth of their bilateral relations.

Ghalibaf addressed security issues and the matter of Iraqi groups during the meetings, emphasizing that Iran refrains from interfering in Iraq's internal affairs. As a neighboring and friendly country, Iran supports any consensus reached by Iraqi groups and officials, provided it aligns with the constitution and preserves Iraq's independence.