While a number of issues are due to be discussed during the trip, the focus will be on improving trade relations between Iraq and Iran.

The two leaders held a joint press conference at the Presidential Palace in Baghdad

“The visit of President Rouhani is an important visit for Iraq,” President Salih said at the conference.

“We hope he will be successful in all the meetings, including with the Prime Minister, and that they can reach a good understanding to strengthen relations between our two countries,” he added.

Salih also said that more assistance was needed between Iraq and Iran in order to preserve the security of the region.

“I thank the government of Iraq for their welcome,” said Rouhani during the press conference.

“We have a historic relationship with Iraq. When we are in Iraq, we feel we are in our land. We look at Iraq as a very important country in the region that can play an effective role regarding the security of the region and to create relations in the region,” he continued.

“For us, the presence of democracy, stability, and security in Iraq are important. We know a stable and secure Iraq will result in stability in the region,” Rouhani added.

“We hope the relationship between Iraq and Iran will grow every day.”

Rouhani, who is accompanied on the three-day visit by a high-ranking political and economic delegation, was received by an honor guard on landing in Baghdad, where he was welcomed by Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohammed Ali al-Hakim, according to The Associated Press.

Rouhani then visited the shrine of Imam Kadhim. Rouhani paused to reach out and touch the gate surrounding the imam’s tomb.

He is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi later, as well as other politicians and officials.

This is Rouhani’s first official visit to Iraq since being elected in 2013.

Reporter’s code: 50101