President.ir - President of the Islamic Republic of Iran said, �Friendly relations between the Iranian and Iraqi governments and nations have been maintained well in the recent years, and are developing with the efforts of the authorities of the two sides�.

Speaking in a meeting with the Former Prime Minister of Iraq Nouri al-Maliki on Tuesday, Dr Hassan Rouhani said, �Relations between Iran and Iraq have always been good�.

�Iraqi distinguished figures and politicians, in any position, play an important role in the development, security and stability of the country and Tehran-Baghdad relations,� he said.

The President also appreciated the stances of the parliament and previous governments in Iraq for cooperation, adding, �We are determined to develop relations and cooperation with Iraq based on mutual interests�.

Former Prime Minister of Iraq Nouri al-Maliki described Dr Rouhani�s visit to Iraq a very important and historic one for relations between the two countries.

He said, �Iran and Iraq can further deepen their ties in different fields such as economy, trade, investment and regional and international fields�.