During his official visit to Iraq, Zarif also discussed recent regional and international developments as well as to find political solutions to current crises, said the Iraqi Presidency.

Iranian top diplomat renewed his country's support for Iraq in various fields by expressing the desire to expand cooperation between the two countries.

Salih, for his part, expressed hope to strengthen relations with Iran, Muslim world and Arab countries as he highlighted his country's vision to establish a balanced relationship with neighboring countries on the basis of common interests for the stability in the region.

During the meeting, also attended by Iran’s Ambassador to Baghdad Iraj Masjedi, the two sides stressed the need to increase security cooperation between Iran and Iraq to defuse the current tensions and increase regional stability.

Upon his arrival to Baghdad earlier in the day, the Iranian diplomat met and held talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi.

According to the public relations office of the Iraqi premier, the officials discussed the recent regional developments, especially with regards to the 2015 nuclear agreement (JCPOA) and Iran’s recent countermeasures against the US’ unilateral moves.

The diplomats noted that both Iran and Iraq have been affected by US sanctions on Tehran, which began following the US government’s withdrawal from the JCPOA last year while stressing that the deal should be preserved despite Washington’s hawkish moves.

The report said that parts of the meeting were dedicated to a review of efforts in Iraq and Iran to follow up on the agreements signed during a recent trip of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to Iraq and the last year visit by Abdul-Mahdi to the Iranian capital Tehran.

Zarif's visit to Iraq comes within the framework of Tehran’s consultations with regional partners.

Reporter’s code: 50101