In the meeting with Special Representative Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian highlighted the long-standing relations between Tehran and Baghdad, saying that the bilateral ties the two countries share contributes to the “stability, development, and sustainable security in the region,” according to a statement from the ministry.
For her part, Hennis-Plasschaert briefed the Iranian foreign minister on the latest “internal and regional developments related to Iraq.”
Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for #Iraq, Ms. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, met today in Tehran with the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of #Iran, Mr, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. They discussed the latest developments in Iraq and the region. pic.twitter.com/NrFaGuRR8B
— UNAMI (@UNIraq) July 30, 2023
“This visit is in line with UNAMI’s mandate on facilitating regional dialogue and cooperation on a number of issues in support of Iraq,” the mission told Rudaw English of Hennis-Plasschaert’s visit on Sunday, adding that the special representative has already visited a number of countries in the region for that purpose.
Amir-Abdollahian also emphasized the importance of implementing the border security pact signed between Iraq and Iran earlier this year during the meeting with the UNAMI chief.
Section B of Article 2 of the UNAMI mandate states that the mission shall facilitate regional dialogue on various issues, including border security, at the request of the Iraqi government.
In March, Iran and Iraq signed a border protection deal, in which Baghdad agreed to a September 22 deadline to disarm the Kurdish opposition groups and secure the border regions. The Iranian military earlier this month threatened to use military action if Baghdad fails to meet the deadline.
Iran and Iraq have shared a strong relationship since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003. Tehran has since increased its influence over Baghdad, and the country has dozens of armed groups who are affiliated to the Shiite rule in Tehran.
Both countries also share a strong economic relationship.
