Iraqi, Iranian presidents stress mutual relations during Ashgabat peace forum

NEWSROOM — Iraqi President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday during the International Forum on Peace and Trust in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, where both sides emphasized the importance of balanced relations based on mutual respect.

According to a statement from the Iraqi Presidency, President Rashid said Iraq supports “dialogue and peaceful approaches in addressing regional challenges to safeguard the region’s security and prevent escalation.”

The two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in a manner that benefits both peoples and contributes to regional stability. President Rashid stressed that continued coordination between Iraq and Iran is essential to “addressing regional challenges.”

Rashid reaffirmed Iraq’s rejection of “any form of aggression or violation of national sovereignty,” and reiterated the country’s support for “any regional or international initiative that strengthens stability and prevents further tensions.”