ABNA - In a joint press conference with his Iraq counterpart Fuad Hussein in Baghdad, Iranian FM Mohammad Javad Zarif underlined the vitality of holding regional and international talks adding that the region needs peace.

"We are really happy that we are standing beside each other and we have defeated the joint enemy i.e. the terrorism," Zarif said.

He named the assassination of Lt. Gen Soleimani and his comrade Abu-Muhandis a big loss in the fight against terrorism.

The Iranian FM added that Iran and Iraq will together follow-up the case of the assassination of the two commanders.

"It is important for us to protect the national sovereignty of our neighbor," Zarif said.

Referring to the mutual warm trade and energy relations, Zarif noted that Iran and Iraq will continue their mutual economic ties despite the outbreak of the coronavirus and as expeted the mutual annual trade will hit $20 billion.

Zarif named Iraq among Iran's top priority for the development of trade and economic ties.

Reiterating Iran's support for Iraq's governance, Hussein said Iraq seeks balanced relations with neighboring countries.

It is a must to keep the region and Iraq away from regional and international tension, he said.