According to the Iraqi official news agency Waa, the leader of the newly-founded alliance and also the head of the National Movement of Hikma made the remarks in a meeting with the Iranian visiting Foreign Minister Mohammad Javasd Zarif and his accompanying delegation in the Iraqi capital Baghdad on Sunday, July 19.

Issuing a statement on Sunday afternoon, the office of the Iraqi leader stated that he received the Iranian FM and his accompanying in Baghdad where the two sides discussed the latest political developments in Iraq and the region, as well as relations between the two neighboring and friendly countries.

Al-Hakim confirmed in the meeting that that the visit of the Iranian delegation to Baghdad was a clear sign of strengthening relations between Iraq and Iran, adding that the current government came to power after a political deadlock and continuous demonstrations in several Iraqi cities.

"The Iraqi Alliance was formed in line efforts to improve the situation in Iraq and to build a internal unity and make a bridge to connect the political blocs with one another to strengthen understanding and consensus,” The leader of the Iraqi Alliance al-Hakim said.

The leader of the National Movement of Hikma confirmed that there is a political effort to expel foreign troops from Iraq.

Al-Hakim also expressed his optimism about an opening in the current situation, noting that Iraq can contribute to the convergence of regional opinions.

Zarif, for his part, stated that Iran respects the choices of the Iraqi people and the political process in the neighboring country, stressing that Iranis willing to establish the best relations with Baghdad.

It is worth mention that the Iranian FM met with the Iraqi PM Mustafa al-Kadhimi on his fourth official visit to Baghdad, as well as his Iraqi counterpart, Fuad Hussein, President Barham Salih, Fayeq Zaidan, the head of the Supreme Judicial Council, Falih Fayadh, the head of the Hadad al-Shaabi Organization and Hadi Ameri, the leader of the Fath Alliance.

The Iranian foreign minister, who arrived at Baghdad International Airport on Sunday morning for a 12-hour trip, also met Mohammed Halbousi, the speaker of the Council of Representatives.

Reporter’s code: 50101