Envoy Underlines Iran's Firm Support for Reconstruction of Iraq

"The Islamic Republic of Iran will remain beside the friendly and brotherly Iraqi government and nation during the reconstruction era as it stood beside Iraq during the era of war against the ISIL and today in the security fight against the terrorists," Masjedi said on Sunday.

He said that Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif will participate in a conference due to be held in Kuwait on February 12-14 on reconstruction of Iraq, adding that major Iranian companies will also attend the conference.

Masjedi also noted that the value of trade transactions between Iran and Iraq has hit $12bln, stressing the need for the two countries to make more efforts to further strengthen economic and trade relations.

In relevant remarks last Thursday, Iraqi Deputy Commerce Minister Walid Habib al-Mousavi declared that security has been restored to his country, and said that Iranian investors and companies are welcome to aid Iraq in its reconstruction projects.

"Iran supported Iraq in the fight against ISIL more than any other county in the world," al-Mousavi said addressing the 7th session of Iran-Iraq Development of Economic Cooperation in Mashhad, Northeastern Iran.

Al-Mousavi called on the Iranian investors and companies to participate in Iraq’s reconstruction projects.

He noted that the volume of annual trade transactions between Iran and Iraq stands at $6 billion, and said that the volume has remained the same for the past three years.

"Iran and Iraq should prioritize joint investment and projects, specially in the technical and engineering services, establishment of joint free trade and industrial zones, easing transfer of properties and commodities between the two countries’ businessmen and investors, as well as activating joint chambers of commerce between the two countries," al-Mousavi said.

He also added that obstacles facing banking transactions for Iranian exporters in Iraq have been removed.