Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif stressed the Islamic Republic’s support for the Iraqi nation, saying Tehran will always stand by Iraqi people

Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif stressed the Islamic Republic’s support for the Iraqi nation, saying Tehran will always stand by Iraqi people.

“Iran and Iraq have deep and broad relations and supporting this country’s democratic trend, territorial integrity, and national unity is very important for the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Zarif said upon his arrival at the Iraqi capital city of Baghdad on Sunday.

He also hailed peaceful political transition in the Arab country, adding, “Iran has always been a supporter of the legitimate governments in Iraq.”

Zarif was welcomed by his Iraq counterpart Hoshyar Zebari upon arrival at Baghdad's international airport.

The Iranian minister is scheduled to meet with a number of Iraq’s high-ranking officials including President Fuad Masum, Prime Minister-designate Haider Al-Abadi, outgoing Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki and Parliament Speaker Salim Al-Jabouri.

Bilateral relations, international developments and the ongoing Takfiri turmoil in Iraq will be on the agenda of talks between the two sides.

The visit comes as Iraq is facing tensions created by the ISIL Takfiri terrorists that have overrun large swaths of land of the country.