Speaking at the gathering with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Fahad al-Zaidi and his accompanying officials, Pezeshkian said Iran wants relations with Iraq elevated to their highest possible level across political, economic, trade, scientific, agricultural, industrial, security and infrastructure sectors, citing the two nations' shared historical, cultural and religious ties.

The Iranian president pointed to the annual Arbaeen pilgrimage as a symbol of the bond between the two peoples, praising Iraq's hosting of millions of Iranian pilgrims each year. He also noted the large turnout of Iraqis who joined funeral processions in Iran following the death of the Islamic Revolution's leader, calling it evidence of deep-rooted historical and cultural connections between the countries.

Pezeshkian pressed for joint commissions to meet more regularly and for bilateral agreements to move swiftly from paperwork into practice, saying relevant ministries should offer concrete solutions to accelerate cooperation. He also called for a broader strategic cooperation roadmap to guide long-term relations.

Drawing a comparison to how European nations have eased cross-border trade and travel, Pezeshkian said regional countries could similarly reduce barriers for businesspeople, academics and tourists. He listed rail and road transport links as an Iranian priority, saying Tehran hopes Iraq will join an integrated regional transport network to boost transit, investment and port development.

On security, Pezeshkian described the two countries' security as interlinked, warning that instability in either nation directly affects the other. He called for full implementation of an existing Iran-Iraq security agreement, including clearing border areas of hostile armed groups, adding that Iran prefers this be resolved through cooperation rather than confrontation.

For his part, al-Zaidi said Iraq places special importance on Iran's security and stressed that no Iraqi territory would be allowed to become a launching point for threats against Iran. He credited Iran with playing a major role in Iraq's fight against the Islamic State group, saying that support went beyond political statements to direct assistance on the ground.

Al-Zaidi added that Iraq would not tolerate hostile action against Iran from any party and reaffirmed Baghdad's commitment to security cooperation with Tehran. He said Iraqi economic ministers accompanying him on the visit were prepared to negotiate agreements serving both countries' mutual interests, along with expanded cooperation in science, higher education and health care.

The meeting comes amid broader efforts by both governments to deepen bilateral ties following years of security and economic cooperation between the neighboring states.