Baghdad: The Foreign Ministry's spokesperson has emphasized that strengthening relations with Iraq remains a primary focus of Tehran's foreign policy, underscoring the significant cultural and civilizational connections between the two neighboring nations.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Esmaeil Baghaei conveyed these sentiments in an Arabic-language post on X on Sunday, following his arrival in Baghdad as a member of an Iranian political delegation led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Baghaei expressed greetings to Iraq, referring to it as a "great and brotherly" nation, and outlined the delegation's intent to engage in discussions with key Iraqi leaders, including the president, prime minister, and foreign minister.

The delegation's visit began with tributes to martyred anti-terror leaders, Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani of Iran and Iraq's Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. The Iranian foreign minister also engaged in talks with his Iraqi counterpart, Fuad Hussein, focusing on critical bilateral and regional issues.

Additionally, the visit's agenda includes evaluating the arrangements for funeral ceremonies for the martyred leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, across various Iraqi cities.