Iraq's PM Sudani meets Iranian parliament speaker Kalibaf in Baghdad

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani received Iranian Islamic Consultative Assembly Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and his accompanying delegation on Monday, the Prime Minister's Office said. The meeting reviewed prospects for bilateral cooperation and ways to strengthen ties across multiple fields. Sudani pointed to historical, geographic and religious ties between Iraq and Iran, and praised Iran's support during the fight against ISIS. Ghalibaf expressed appreciation for his visit and thanked the Iraqi government for the attention and services provided to Iranian pilgrims during the Arba'een commemoration of Imam Hussein. Ghalibaf reiterated Iran's commitment to expanding bilateral relations and cooperation. According to the statement, both sides agreed on steps aimed at serving the shared interests of the two neighboring peoples. No further details on specific agreements were immediately provided.