Tehran: Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has emphasized that developing bilateral relations between Iran and Iraq with a clear roadmap could significantly impact the region, especially Arab and other Muslim countries. A meeting of Iranian and Iraqi economic activists was held at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Baghdad on Thursday, in the presence of Ghalibaf and members of the accompanying parliamentary delegation.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Ghalibaf highlighted the important role of the private sector in advancing Iran-Iraq relations. He noted that certain persistent issues have become entrenched in both countries and should be tackled through joint meetings, with a focus on prioritizing practical solutions. He also underscored the need to leverage the expertise of skilled workers in border cities and to develop a clear economic and trade roadmap for the two nations.

Reflecting on the history of Iran-Iraq relations over the past five decades, Ghalibaf emphasized that the states of 'neither war nor peace' and 'both war and peace' should not become permanent fixtures. He advocated for defending national dignity and interests, stressing that while Iran is not seeking war, effective diplomacy requires the capability and readiness to defend oneself.

Ghalibaf also addressed the economic pressures and sanctions faced by Iran, describing them as part of an economic warfare strategy, and stressed the importance of planning to overcome these challenges. He asserted that military power is insufficient without economic growth, national production, and sustainable financial activity, highlighting the need for simultaneous strengthening of security and the economy.

The use of national currencies in Iran-Iraq trade was proposed by Ghalibaf as a means to reduce reliance on the US dollar. He urged both countries to capitalize on existing opportunities and move away from traditional trade practices. Additionally, he emphasized the need to eliminate obstacles, such as difficulties related to guarantees for engineering services, to facilitate economic cooperation.

During the meeting, private-sector representatives from both Iran and Iraq discussed banking, legal, and customs issues, and called for the establishment of joint industrial parks. They also proposed replacing the dollar with the Iraqi dinar and Iranian rial in bilateral trade and cooperating in rebuilding areas affected by attacks.