Baghdad: Iranian Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati and Iraq's Trade Minister Mustafa Nizar al-Ani recently convened to explore strategies for enhancing economic cooperation and dismantling trade barriers between the two nations. The discussions took place during Hemmati's visit to Iraq, which commenced on Sunday, August 16, marking a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the meeting focused on reinforcing trade, investment, and monetary collaboration. The officials underscored the considerable potential for expanding economic ties, deliberating on the implementation of previous agreements and the enhancement of banking interactions between Iran and Iraq. Hemmati emphasized the pivotal role of private-sector businesses in streamlining the export and import of goods and advocated for the establishment of new mechanisms to expedite trade processes, particularly at border entry points.

Iraq's Trade Minister al-Ani expressed his support for the deepening of bilateral cooperation and reiterated the Iraqi government's commitment to overcoming challenges faced by economic operators. He highlighted the government's resolve to fortify trade relations with Iran, signaling a positive outlook for future economic partnerships between the two countries.