LOC23:29
20:29 GMT
TEHRAN, July 22 (KUNA) -- Iran stressed Saturday that it would continue supporting Iraq to restore sustainable stability and security in that Arab country.
Iran will continue taking advantage of its political, economic and military capabilities to safeguard Iraq, Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan was quoted by official media as saying.
Dehqan made the statement during a meeting with his Iraqi counterpart Erfan Al-Hiyali earlier today.
Dehqan said that his country would stand side by side with Iraq in the reconstruction phase, referring to the support for Iraq in its war on the so-called Islamic State.
He affirmed the importance of maintaining Iraq's unity and territorial integrity, rejecting at the same time the separation of the Kurdistan Region from Iraq.
Meanwhile, Al-Hiyali lauded Iran's support for the Iraqi armed forces in war on terrorism.
He noted that the unity and cooperation amongst all Iraq's armed factions, tribes and segments contributed to making the recent victory over IS militants.
Earlier today, the Iraqi minister arrived in Tehran on an official visit, which aims to develop military cooperation with Iran. (end)
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