Iran, Iraq set to expand military ties

Zebari made the remarks during a meeting with the commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Ground Forces, Brigadier General Mohammad Pakpour, in Tehran on Sunday, IRNA reported. The Iraqi general said that Iraq is facing some security challenges, and Baghdad needs to exchange views with Iran, which is a strong country in many areas, including security. “The visit aims to develop bilateral relations, since Iran and Iraq are two friendly neighboring countries, which should have very close relations… The Islamic Republic of Iran is a capable country in many areas,” Zebari added. Pakpour welcomed the suggestion and said that Iran will make every effort to help Iraqis build a secure and safe country. He noted that the Iraqi people have endured many problems over the past ten years, but the withdrawal of foreign forces provides an opportunity for the Iraqis to begin running their own affairs. Zebari arrived in the Iranian capital on Sunday at the head of a delegation of senior Iraqi military officials.