13 Sep 2021; MEMO: Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi and Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi yesterday announced that they have reached an agreement to cancel the entry visa requirements between the two neighbouring countries.
Raisi said in a joint press conference following bilateral talks in Tehran that "several decisions were taken in the joint meeting with Al-Kadhimi", adding that Al-Kadhimi has also agreed to increase Iran's share of Arbaeen visitors, in reference to the Shia annual pilgrimage to the Iraqi city of Karbala.
"We have deep relations with Iraq," he continued, noting that "we look forward to strengthening relations between Iraq and Iran."
For his part, Al-Kadhimi said that a number of bilateral files were discussed with the Iranian president, including "strengthening brotherly relations and historical ties".
According to the Iraqi premier, the two officials also discussed "economic files, railway connectivity and increasing trade exchange."
"We thank everyone who stood with Iraq in its war against Daesh," Al-Kadhimi said, praising "Iran's position and standing with Iraq from the first moment in the war against Daesh."
Al-Kadhimi arrived on Sunday at the head of a large government delegation to Tehran, to hold meetings with Iranian officials. He is the first senior official to be received by the newly appointed Raisi.
