Iraqi PM Al-Sudani set to visit Tehran this week following Iranian president’s trip last year

BAGHDAD — Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani is scheduled to make an official visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran on Wednesday, Jan. 8, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.

“The official visit will include discussions on bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to strengthen them, building on the progress made during the visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Baghdad in September of last year, as well as addressing the latest regional developments,” the statement added.

Masoud Pezeshkian, visited Iraq on Dec. 11, marking his first foreign trip since assuming office.

The Iranian president also conducted visits to the Kurdistan Region, holding meeting with officials and party leaders in both Erbil and Sulaymaniyah.

Relations between Iran and Iraq, both predominantly Shiite countries, have strengthened since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that overthrew Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein’s Sunni-dominated regime. Iran holds significant political influence in Baghdad, where its allies have a strong presence in parliament and the governing coalition.