Iran’s Vice-President for Strategic Affairs Mohammad Javad Zarif says his country supports Iraq in defending its security, sovereignty and independence.

According to The Iran Project, Zarif made the comment in a meeting with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid in Baghdad on Thursday.

The VP said that Iran and Iraq play a key role in enhancing regional stability, and said that his country supports Iraq in defending its security, sovereignty and independence, according to a press release by the Iraqi president’s office.

Rashid said on his part that Iraq wants to further develop ties with Iran and enhance cooperation in favor of mutual interests.

The two officials discussed regional issues as well, including developments in Palestine, with the Iraqi president reaffirming his country’s stance on the Palestinians’ right to self-determination.