Tasnim � Secretary of Iran�s Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani denounced the US� �illegitimate� presence in the region as the root cause of insecurity, calling for concerted action against Washington�s destabilizing activities.

In a meeting in Tehran on Tuesday, Shamkhani and Iraq�s Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi discussed the latest political and security developments in the region, particularly the fight against terrorism and its sponsors.

Decrying the US� evil, terrorist and destabilizing activities in the region, Shamkhani called for joint efforts by regional countries for the immediate expulsion of the US forces in order to strengthen regional peace and stability.

He also praised the measures taken by the Iraqi government for strengthening the security of borders and accelerating the implementation of the agreements with Iran, especially in the economic fields, and said pursuing the implementation of bilateral agreements will benefit the interests of both countries.

Welcoming Iraq�s diplomatic efforts to create regional security and remove tensions and differences among the neighbors, Shamkhani added, �Establishing cooperation, unity and amity among all regional countries is the definite solution to rid the region of insecurity and terrorism.�

The Iraqi premier, for his part, emphasized the need to strengthen and expand relations between Iran and Iraq, especially in the economic and security fields.

He also expressed gratitude to Iran for defending the national sovereignty and people of Iraq, especially during the fight against the Daesh terrorist groups, MNA reported.

Heading a ranking political and economic delegation, Iraqi Prime Minister Kadhimi arrived in Tehran on Tuesday before travelling to the US.

Kadhimi held meetings with Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani yesterday.