At the meeting, President Ahmadinejad said, "Our humanitarian and Islamic responsibilities urge us to support the Iraqi nation."



Expressing satisfaction with the expansion of ties between Iran and Iraq, the president said that Tehran attaches importance to dignity, independence, development, security and progress of the Iraqi nation.



"Our Islamic and humanitarian duties oblige us to stand by the Iraqi nation," said President Ahmadinejad.



The Iraqi people have gone through a very tough situation, he said, adding "I believe that through wisdom of high ranking Iraqi officials, the country will attain the status it deserves."



Highlighting the two sides' capabilities for expansion of ties between Tehran and Baghdad, he said the two countries inspired by firm determination of Iranian and Iraqi leaders can upgrade current level of trade exchanges and promote mutual cooperation in different fields, said the Iranian president.



Mutual efforts to expand regional cooperation and restorate peace, stability and security are of prime importance, he said, adding that the Islamic Republic of Iran is very happy to witness development and progress of Iraq.



The Iraqi premier, for his part, thanked Iran for its humanitarian aid to the Iraqi nation, describing his talks with high ranking Iranian officials as fruitful.



Referring to constructive steps taken by the Iraqi nation and government for the country's development, he said it is incumbent upon Iraq to broaden economic and political cooperation with its neighboring states to meet the two sides' interests.

Iraq is very optimistic about the future of ties with Iran, said the Iraqi premier.

Tehran, Jan 3, IRNA