Ahmadinejad calls Iran-Iraq ties ‘excellent and unique’

President Mahmud Ahmadinejad has expressed hope that his visit to Baghdad will open a new chapter in “excellent and unique” relations between Iran and Iraq.

Ahmadinejad arrived in Baghdad on Sunday for a two-day visit as part of efforts to establish security in the warn-ravaged country and improve bilateral ties.

“I am sure that the agreements inked during this trip will quickly improve political, economic, and cultural relations to the highest level,” Ahmadinejad told reporters in a news conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki on Sunday.

“I had a very good meeting with Mr. Nouri al-Maliki and we discussed different issues such as energy, transportation, industry, trade, tourism, investment, and security,” he added.

Ahmadinejad said the two countries have a common stance on all issues and are determined to boost cooperation.

“The Iraqi nation and government are mature enough to recognize their own interests and the interests of the region,” he added.

Referring to U.S. President George W. Bush’s allegations that Iran is fueling violence in Iraq, Ahmadinejad said, “Making accusations against others will not resolve the U.S. problems in the region…The United States should accept the fact that Iraq does not want the (presence of) U.S. (troops in the region),”

Al-Maliki, for his part, said the Iranian president’s visit to Iraq shows that the two countries are determined to bolster bilateral relations.

He expressed hope that frequent meetings between Iranian and Iraqi officials will help increase security in the region.

Despite the Saddam Hussein regime which had created tension in the region, Iraq’s current government is pursuing to establish security and boost cooperation with neighboring countries.

Al-Maliki stated that the Iraqi government plans to start the reconstruction of the warn-torn country with the help of Iran.

The Iranian president"s trip has started while Islamic Republic of Iran has spared no efforts to help Iraq despite the US obstructionism and baseless accusations and claims, and Iraqi officials have publicly acknowledged and appreciated Iran"s help and assistance to the country"s people and government on many occasions. It is obvious that Iraqi developments are of great importance for Iran, so it has expressed its concern in many occasions on violence in Iraq. Issues like using Iraqi soil by terrorists to launch attacks against neighbors, the presence of foreigners in Iraq and their obstruction in Iraqi relations with its neighbors are among important issues which would be discussed.