Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian and his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein discussed efforts for the development of bilateral ties and other issues of mutual interest.
In a telephone conversation on Sunday, the two foreign ministers talked about the follow-up of expanding relations between Tehran and Baghdad and also some matters concerning visits by Iranian and Iraqi pilgrims to the two countries.
Amir Abdollahian and Hussein underlined the need for pursuing agreements signed by the two countries during the visit of the Iraqi prime minister to Tehran regarding the expansion of bilateral relations and also facilitating visits by Iranian and Iraqi pilgrims on religious occasions, especially Arbaeen.
The Iranian foreign minister thanked Iraq for the assistance and facilities it provided for Iranian pilgrims on the day of Arafah and also for coordinating the participation of Iranian pilgrims in Arbaeen ceremonies.
Amir Abdollahian further thanked Iraq for helping send Iranian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia to properly perform the major Hajj rituals.
The top Iranian diplomat also discussed with his Iraqi counterpart the possibility of the resumption of sending Iranians to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah (minor Hajj).
He voiced hope that necessary facilities and arrangements will be made to resume Omrah in consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry’s website.
The Iraqi foreign minister, for his part, declared his country’s readiness to continue helping facilitate issues related to visits by pilgrims on the day of Arafah and Arbaeen and also for the purpose of performing Hajj.
Hussein added that Baghdad is also ready to make necessary preparations to hold Arbaeen pilgrimage in a proper manner.
He stressed that the Iraqi government will do its utmost to facilitate visits by pilgrims of Imam Hussein (AS) and to hold the Arbaeen ceremonies as magnificently as possible.
Source: Iranian media
