Official Welcome

Pezeshkian formally received al-Zaidi and his high-level delegation Thursday afternoon at the Saadabad Cultural-Historical Complex. The ceremony included the playing of both countries' national anthems and an honor guard review, followed by introductions of the official delegations.

The visit's agenda included a private one-on-one meeting between the two leaders, a joint session of the senior Iranian and Iraqi delegations, and the signing of the bilateral cooperation documents.

Emphasizing Historic Bonds

During their meeting, Pezeshkian and al-Zaidi discussed key bilateral issues and ways to deepen relations, according to the presidential website. Both sides pointed to what they described as deep historical, cultural, religious and people-to-people ties between Iran and Iraq, calling for those bonds to be preserved and strengthened as a foundation for expanded strategic cooperation.

The two leaders also referenced existing joint agreements between the countries, saying swift and full implementation of those accords would be an important step toward improving relations and securing mutual interests. They called for activating shared potential in political, economic, trade, transit and energy sectors, as well as regional cooperation.

Pezeshkian and al-Zaidi described opening new avenues of cooperation as a strategic necessity for the future of Tehran-Baghdad relations, saying that comprehensive development of ties would bolster stability, security and prosperity in both nations while serving the interests of the two peoples and reinforcing regional solidarity.

Four Agreements Signed

Senior officials from both countries signed four cooperation documents during the visit, in the presence of Pezeshkian and al-Zaidi:

- An agreement on road transport of goods

- A memorandum of understanding on construction of the Khosravi-Khanaqin-Baghdad railway

- A sister-city memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Baghdad

- A memorandum of understanding on public administration, training and human resources

The agreements were signed as part of al-Zaidi's official visit to Tehran, which he led alongside a senior Iraqi delegation.