IRNA � Iraqi President Barham Salih said on Monday that Iran and Iraq have a main and effective status in the region.

In a meeting with visiting Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, he added that strengthening ties between the two nations will not only benefit both nations but also the entire region.

�Today, regional states shoulder a heavy responsibility to overcome the existing crises,� Salih said.

�Current regional situation prompts us to create a common and constructive dialogue with all the sides to build pillars of stability in the region through further efforts and coordination,� he said.

Zarif, for his part, reiterated Iran�s willingness to enhance mutual cooperation with Iraq, saying that the country will remain supporter of the Iraqi nation and government in all phases, including reconstruction.

Zarif, heading a politico-economic delegation, is currently in Baghdad for talks with the neighboring state�s officials.

He is also slated to visit Erbil, Sulaymanieh, Karbala and Najaf during his four-day visit to Iraq.