Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said that Iraq plays a significant role in the political and security interactions of the region.

Speaking on Wednesday afternoon during a meeting with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, President Rouhani said, "Regarding their economic potential, Iran and Iraq can complement each other as two economies, and the volume of trade should reach $20 billion a year".

Referring to the holding of a joint commission between the two countries, the President said, "By following up and implementing the agreements of this commission, an important step can be taken in the development of economic relations between the two countries".

Referring to solving the problems of the Shalamcheh-Basra railway, Rouhani said, "We believe that this project is completely economic and commercial, and is diversifies the transportation routes between Iran and Iraq".

The President also stressed that for Iran, supporting stability, security, independence, territorial integrity, as well as dignity and authority of Iraq, and promoting its regional and international status are of special priority, adding, "Cooperation of the two countries during the invasion of ISIL forces is a great example of strengthening bilateral relations to save the region from Takfiri terrorists".

Stating that Tehran opposes any foreign interference in the internal affairs of Iraq and considers it to the detriment of the Iraqi people and the whole region, the president added, "The cowardly assassination of Martyr Qasem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis was an example of the most shameful foreign intervention in Iraq's internal affairs, which was carried out in the form of state terrorist operations and targeted the heroes of the victory over ISIL".

The President also stressed that Iran supports Iraq's presence in regional interactions and believes that Iraq is an important party in the region's political and security interactions.

Rouhani expressed hope that the new US administration would conclude that its presence in the region was detrimental to security and would reconsider this policy.

During the meeting, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein described the Iranian President's visit to Iraq as historic and unforgettable, saying, "This visit, while deepening bilateral relations, creates more opportunities for cooperation and speeds up the implementation of agreements".

The Iraqi Foreign Minister said, "According to the various agreements reached by the officials of the two countries, interactions and relations in various economic and trade fields are being pursued, and Iraq seeks to expand and fully develop relations with Iran".

The Iraqi Foreign Minister added, "The Iraqi people and government are always grateful for Iran's support and cooperation in the fight against terrorism in Iraq, especially ISIL, and will never forget this".

He said, "Baghdad is persistently pursuing the withdrawal of foreign troops from Iraq and this is being done through negotiations and actions that have been taken".