(MENAFN) Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, is set to travel to Iraq after visiting China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Iraq is Iran's second-largest trading partner, with trade between the two countries standing at USD10 billion. The visit is aimed at addressing some "security challenges" in the relations between the two countries, accelerating economic agreements, and facilitating banking cooperation, according to IRNA. The maintenance of this volume of trade requires close coordination and cooperation between the two nations.
Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian had announced that Shamkhani would pay a visit to Iraq. Amir Abdollahian implied that the visits by Shamkhani to the UAE and Iraq were done in full coordination with the foreign ministry. He stated that the trips were being done within the existing security framework and were not a new phenomenon. A representative from the foreign ministry was accompanying him during the visits, he added.
Amir Abdollahian also emphasized that there was coordination in foreign policy and that everything was within the framework of the establishment and under the supervision of the president. He said, "Enemies should know that there is no disagreement." This statement highlights the importance of unity and coordination among Iran's leadership in dealing with regional and international issues.
Shamkhani paid a visit to the UAE on Thursday and met with several Emirati leaders, including President Mohammad bin Zayed, UAE National Security Advisor Tahnoun bin Zayed, and ruler of Dubai Mohammad bin Rashed. The top security official and the UAE president reviewed the latest regional and international developments, according to Iran's official news agency IRNA. The visit was aimed at promoting cooperation and dialogue between the two nations on issues of mutual interest, including regional security and stability, economic development, and combating terrorism and extremism.
The visits to the UAE and Iraq by Shamkhani reflect Iran's ongoing efforts to deepen its relations with its neighbors and strengthen its position in the region. These visits are also significant in the context of the changing geopolitical landscape in the Middle East, where countries are reevaluating their strategic alliances and partnerships in response to shifting power dynamics. Iran's engagement with Iraq and the UAE is part of a broader effort to build bridges and foster cooperation among regional nations, despite their differences.
The visit to Iraq is expected to focus on addressing security challenges and enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries. Iran and Iraq share a long history of cultural, economic, and political ties, and their relationship is critical to regional stability and security. The visit by Shamkhani underscores Iran's commitment to maintaining close ties with Iraq and its willingness to work with its neighbors to overcome shared challenges and promote mutual interests.
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