BAGHDAD: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced the signing of 14 cooperation agreements on Wednesday during Pezeshkian’s first official visit abroad since taking office in July.
“Fourteen cooperation memorandums were signed between Iraq and Iran, which is the starting point of the expansion of cooperation,” Pezeshkian said, standing alongside Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.
Pezeshkian’s three-day visit highlights a mutual commitment to expanding bilateral ties and addressing regional challenges. Pezeshkian emphasized the importance of unity, stating, “If we are together, we will avoid falling into the fire.”
The agreements cover a range of areas aimed at bolstering economic and political cooperation. Pezeshkian, who assumed office in July after the unexpected death of his predecessor Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, has made improving relations with neighboring countries a priority. His administration seeks to counteract the impact of US-led sanctions and alleviate Iran’s international isolation.
Iran and Iraq’s relationship has deepened significantly over the years, with Iran emerging as a key trade partner for Iraq. The two countries have strengthened their ties through various agreements and collaborations.
Iran exports significant amounts of gas to Iraq, which helps meet about 30 percent of the country’s electricity needs. Non-oil trade between the nations reached nearly $5 billion over the past five months.
The visit comes at a time of heightened regional tensions due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. During a joint press conference, al-Sudani and Pezeshkian expressed their opposition to any escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The Iraqi Prime Minister blamed Israel for the regional unrest.
Pezeshkian’s visit follows recent Western sanctions imposed on Iran for supplying Russia with short-range missiles used in the Ukraine conflict.
As part of his trip, Pezeshkian plans to visit Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala cities, where millions of Iranian pilgrims travel annually.
Political analysts view the expansion of trade ties as a crucial goal of Pezeshkian’s visit. “Iran needs the Iraqi market for its exports, just as it needs Iraq’s energy imports,” Ali al-Baidar said.
