Al-Araji pledges to neutralize terrorist gangs at the borders with Iran

Shafaq News/ Qasim al-Araji, Iraqi National Security Advisor, who embarked in Tehran at the official invitation of the Secretary of the Iranian Supreme National Security Council, Admiral Ali Shamkhani, explained the achievements of this trip in an interview with the Iranian "Nournews".

According to Nournews, "Al-Araji said that in order to create sustainable security and eliminate misunderstandings, as well as to prevent the formation of future threats, it is necessary to increase direct talks between the countries of the region."

"In this context, very good talks were held with Iranian officials with the presence of security officials in the region in order to consolidate security efforts and exchange information to fight terrorism and extremism, as well as resolve some differences between countries in the region."

" The Iraqi National Security Adviser mentioned issues such as border security and the fight against drug and arms trafficking as the main concerns of the security officials of the two countries, noting that the presence and activity of some terrorist groups in the border areas of the two countries is one of the most important issues that must be dealt with seriously, with the joint cooperation of the responsible agencies in Iran and Iraq."

"Al-Araji praised the Islamic Republic of Iran for its serious and comprehensive support to the Iraqi people in the fight against the terrorist groups of Al-Qaeda, ISIS and other terrorist groups, adding: "The Islamic Republic has always supported a united, united and strong Iraq. Iranian officials also stressed the need for a stronger and more effective Iraq to play a role in the region."

Referring to the Iraqi Prime Minister's continued efforts to maintain the political, military and economic independence of the country, he added: "The international coalition forces present in Iraq provided us with valuable assistance in the fight against terrorism, but due to the necessary military and intelligence capabilities in the Iraqi Armed Forces, it is emphasized that the continuation of this struggle should be pursued by the Iraqi forces."

The Iraqi National Security Adviser considered the issue of following up the case of the martyrdom of General Qasim Soleimani and Hajj Abu Mahdi Al-Mohandes and their companions as one of the topics of conversation with the Iranian officials and said: "This issue was raised during this trip and now this case is in the Iraqi judiciary, and an arrest issued in this regard, and this issue is being pursued."

On the issue of visa waiver between the two countries, the Iraqi National Security Adviser said: "The government of Mr. Adel Abdul Mahdi took big steps in this direction and made the visa fee free, but due to the corona epidemic, there was a delay in completing the initiated measures."

He added: "The Iraqi government and people eagerly welcome the presence of Iranian pilgrims and we believe that common religious communities are a valuable power for us and the nations of the region."

In conclusion, the Iraqi National Security Advisor said: "I believe that the relations between Iran and Iraq are deep-rooted and historical, and religious and cultural commonalities are one of the most important factors in the connection between the two nations."

Al-Araji said that the expansion and deepening of relations between the two countries without being against a third country will definitely provide common interests and increase stability and security in the region and can be a good model for relations between other countries in the region.