TEHRAN, Oct. 29 (MNA) � Iranian communications minister Vaezi said the country�s private sector is ready to expand ICT cooperation with Iraq by participating in Iraq�s fourth mobile operator project.

Iran�s Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mahmoud Vaezi in a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi in Tehran said the ICT Ministry and the private sector mobile companies are determined to develop joint cooperation with Iraq in ICT fields and the establishment of direct connection between the two countries� networks, especially for the occasion of Arba'een as one of the world�s largest pilgrimage gatherings in the Iraqi city of Karbala.

Vaezi stressed that the country�s Communications Ministry will remain committed to all agreements on Iran-Iraq ICT cooperation, saying the ministry will ensure that pilgrims of both countries would have easy access to the achievements of these agreements during the Arba�een pilgrimage.

The Iranian minister also announced the private sector�s readiness to take part in Iraq�s fourth mobile operator project, saying �we wish for the success and development of Iraq�s government and will make efforts in all areas so that Iraq would be able to abide by its duties and commitments.�

For his part, the Iraqi prime minister welcomed the expansion of cooperation with Iran in communications and technology fields, saying �these efforts, especially the ones made with an aim to provide the two countries� pilgrims with optimal services, are highly appreciated. Hopefully, with Iran�s assistance, Iraq will overcome its underdevelopments during the time of its occupation.�

Al-Abadi also commended Iran for its constructive role in fighting ISIL terrorists that have threatened the peace and security in the region, saying �Iraq has been successful to some extent in holding back terrorism and presently, Iraq�s army has managed to thwart a great number of ISIL threats�

The Iraqi prime minister further added that Syrian crisis would be impossible to settle without the role and presence of Iran, and Iraq, too, supports the fight against ISIL and the restoration of peace to Syria.

By Mehr News Agency