Iran's parliament speaker calls foreign troop withdrawal from Iraq a 'fundamental step'

TEHRAN, Iran — TEHRAN — Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf described the withdrawal of foreign forces from Iraq as a "very important and fundamental step" at a press conference concluding a three-day visit to the country. Speaking to the Fars news agency, Ghalibaf said his meetings with senior Iraqi officials took place in a cordial and fraternal atmosphere, and stressed that Iran does not interfere in Iraq's internal affairs. Ghalibaf said Iran supports any agreement reached by Iraqi groups and officials that preserves independence, sovereignty and governance rights within the framework of the Iraqi constitution. He described the talks as productive across economic, social, cultural, political and security fields, saying the outcome carried added significance during the current sensitive period. Economic issues were also on the agenda, according to Ghalibaf. He said the two sides agreed to hold a meeting within the next two weeks, with a delegation from the Tehran Chamber of Commerce set to travel to Tehran to prepare an on-the-ground plan for cooperation across multiple sectors. Further details on the planned meeting and the delegation's composition were not immediately available.