Tehran: Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for the development of a comprehensive strategic cooperation program to guide long-term relations between Tehran and Baghdad. During a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih Kadhim al-Zaidi and his accompanying delegation in Tehran on Thursday, President Pezeshkian prioritized drafting a cooperation program to enhance long-term ties across all sectors. He also emphasized that the security of both nations is intertwined.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the president called for the rapid implementation of economic and infrastructure agreements and urged full compliance with existing security pacts, especially in border areas. Pezeshkian envisioned an integrated rail and road network to boost transit, investment, and trade, drawing parallels to European models of regional cooperation.

He also highlighted deep-rooted cultural bonds, citing the Arbaeen pilgrimage and Iraqi tributes to Iran's martyred Leader as symbols of a brotherhood. The Iraqi prime minister, for his part, reaffirmed Baghdad's strategic commitment to Tehran, vowing that Iraqi territory would never serve as a base for threats against the Islamic Republic.

Expressing gratitude for Iran's support in defeating terrorist groups, al-Zaidi stressed that Baghdad remains fully dedicated to bilateral security cooperation. He noted that his high-level delegation, which includes key economic ministers, is in Tehran to finalize agreements across trade, healthcare, and academia, aiming to turn mutual intentions into tangible outcomes for both nations.