IRNA – Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a telephone conversation with his Iraqi counterpart Mohammed Ali al-Hakeem called for rendering more timely services as well as easing border crossings for Iranian pilgrims destined for holy shrines in Iraq.

During the telephone call, Zarif congratulated the appointment of the new Iraqi foreign minister and wished him success during his tenure, and expressed the hope to witness expansion of friendly ties between the two neighboring countries meeting both sides' interests.

Appreciating the hospitality extended by Iraqi government and people to the Iranian pilgrims, Zarif called for rendering more timely services to Iranian pilgrims.

Iraqi foreign minister, for his part, thanked the Iranian foreign minister and referred to very good relations between the two countries having roots in their historical affinities and called for expansion of more relations and cooperation.

He said that the Iranian pilgrims are regarded as the guest of Iraqi government and nation and promised to provide them with required support easing their trip.