President Hassan Rouhani met with the Prime Minister of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, on Sunday and said: "All efforts must be made to further strengthen the close relations between the two Iranian and Iraqi nations".
The Islamic Republic of Iran always supports an integrated, united Iraq, said President, adding: "Defending the single government and maintaining regional borders is the responsibility of all countries and the ethnic groups living in the region and, without a doubt, powers from outside the region are not, and will not be, sympathetic towards the people of this region".
President Hassan Rouhani met with the Prime Minister of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, on Sunday and said: "All efforts must be made to further strengthen the close relations between the two Iranian and Iraqi nations".
The president also referred to the role of some powers in undermining security and stability in the region, adding: "There is no doubt that the powers outside the region are not, and will not be, sympathetic to the people of the region, and they are only looking to achieve their long-term interests".
Stating that the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, as an important part of the country, has an important role in strengthening Iraq's stability and security, he said: "Stability and security is a prerequisite for development and prosperity and we should not allow this stability and security be undermined in the countries of the region under any pretext".
Dr Rouhani also stressed that all ethnic groups in the region, including the Iraqi Kurds, should enjoy their legitimate rights under the constitution and territorial integrity of these countries.
The president also referred to Iranian investors' readiness to participate in the development projects of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and welcomed the Iraqi Kurdish business people's more active role in the Iranian market, saying: "We want more developed and prosperous Iran and Iraq, and this is in the interest of all nations of the region".
The Prime Minister of Iraqi Kurdistan, Nechirvan Barzani, said: "We always want a united Iraq, and we believe that all parties must be committed to the constitution of Iraq and seek solutions to the problems within the framework of the constitution".
We appreciate Iran's support in fighting ISIS, said Barzani, adding: "We will not allow any threats from Kurdistan territory against Iran".
He also expressed willingness on the Iraqi Kurdistan's side to welcome Iranian investors' activities in the Region and called for strengthening of economic cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran.
-(ABNA)
