MNA � A number of figures and representatives from Iraqi religious minorities have met with Iran�s foreign minister in his place of residence in Baghdad.

According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry's website, during the second day of his official visit to Iraq, Mohammad Javad Zarif held separate meetings with representatives of religious, political, cultural, ethnic and social groups, organisations and institutions, including the head and members of the Sunni Waqf and representatives of Christian, Mandaean, Turkmen and Izadi minorities.

In the meeting, the Iranian foreign minister stressed the need for deep, brotherly and respect-based relations between the people of Iran and Iraq, saying that �close relations between our nations are a source of hope and an excellent example of [friendly] relations between nations in the region.�

Abdul Latif Al-Humim, the chief of the Sunni Waqf said in the meeting with the Iranian foreign minister that it is a religious duty to defend Iran in the face of cruel US sanctions.

In these meetings, the representatives of Iraq�s religious and social institutions stressed their eagerness to maintain and deepen friendly and close relations with Iran.