Iraqi, Iranian heads of state discuss bilateral relations

Iraqi President Barham Salih pictured next to his Iranian counterpart, President Ebrahim Raisi. (NASA)

• The relations between the two neighboring countries, and their importance, was discussed during their meeting, Iraqi National News Agency reported

DUBAI: Iraq’s President Barham Salih met his Iranian counterpart, President Ebrahim Raisi, in Tehran on Thursday, ahead of the newly elected leader’s oath taking ceremony before parliament.
The relations between the two neighboring countries, and their importance, was discussed during their meeting, Iraqi National News Agency reported. 
Hardline cleric Raisi, who was endorsed by Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, won the election in June and succeeded Hassan Rouhani, who is viewed in the West as a moderate.
Raisi will lead a country facing a number of growing challenges coupled with an economy that has been crippled by US-led sanctions.