Iran's central bank chief visits Baghdad for trade, banking talks

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The governor of Iran's central bank, Abdolnaser Hemmati, traveled to Baghdad on Sunday for an official visit focused on economic and trade cooperation between the two neighbors. Hemmati met with Iranian economists and business figures in the capital to address outstanding issues affecting bilateral commerce. The talks reviewed outstanding receivables owed to Iranian contractors operating in Iraq, obstacles to the repatriation of Iranian export revenues, and customs tariff disputes. Hemmati said the issues raised would be followed up. The central bank governor also held talks with Iraqi Trade Minister Mustafa Nizar al-Ani. The discussions covered strengthening economic and commercial relations, facilitating the flow of goods between the two countries, and activating existing agreements and memoranda of understanding. Hemmati led an economic delegation on the Baghdad trip, part of formal contacts aimed at expanding financial and trade ties between Iran and Iraq. No further details on agreements reached were immediately available.