TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi expressed hope that the conclusion of political process of Iraq's parliamentary election through dialogues and understanding would result in the formation of a mighty government in the neighboring country.

- Politics news -

On the second day of his trip to New York, Raisi and Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi held talks on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

The Iranian president expressed hope that the political process of the Iraqi parliamentary elections would be concluded as soon as possible with the dialogue and understanding of the Iraqi parties and a strong and powerful government would be formed.

"We hope that the political process in Iraq will lead to the formation of a powerful government with understanding and dialogue as soon as possible," he said.

Raisi also appreciated the good will and efforts of the Iraqi government to improve the relations between the countries of the region, including Iran and Saudi Arabia, and stated, "The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes the improvement of relations with Saudi Arabia, but we insist that this process should proceed based on the agreements and understandings made in the talks between the officials of the two countries in Iraq."

The president pointed out that Iran has always considered the interests of the Islamic community in its regional relations.

He also expressed sincere gratitude of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei and the government of Iran to the government and people of Iraq for hosting and magnificent holding of this year's Arbaeen ceremony.

Raisi also pointed to the Iraqi prime minister's call for the completion of Basra-Shalamcheh railway project and stated, "Removing the small knot of this project and completing it faster will result in huge results and achievements in the expansion of bilateral interactions and cooperation as well as facilitating the movement of pilgrims to holy places in the two countries."

For his part, al-Kadhimi expressed his gratitude for the satisfaction of the Iranian authorities and people during the Arbaeen season, saying, "The people of Iraq have only fulfilled their duty towards the pilgrims of Imam Hussein (AS)."

Presenting a report on the latest political situation in his country, the Iraqi prime minister appreciated the good will and efforts of the government of Iran to increase cooperation with Iraq.