President Ahmadinejad told Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki: “If Tehran and Baghdad are powerful and dignified, there will be no place in the region for the enemies of nations, including the US and the Zionist regime.

Terming Tehran-Baghdad relations as 'special and exceptional' in the region and the world, Dr.Ahmadinejad said no barrier and limitation do exist on the way of all-out expansion of political, economic and cultural relations between Islamic republic of Iran and Iraq.

The president went on to say that by God's grace, the Iranian and Iraqi nations will make progress along with each other and while maintaining their vigilance will defend their independence.

Stressing that the arrogant powers and enemies of the Iranian and Iraqi nations are worried and unhappy with the strength and independence of the two countries, Dr.Ahmadinejad said: “The hegemonic powers that have been slapped [in the face] by the two nations are trying to keep countries like Iran and Iraq weak in order to bring the entire region under their domination and control by creating dissention and sowing discord.”

President Ahmadinejad went on to say that all the historical, cultural and political factors in Iran-Iraq relations call on both countries to move toward the growth and dignity of the two nations.

Maliki, for his part, said Tehran and Baghdad can join hands in bolstering stability and security in the region and overcoming existing challenges through understanding and paying respect for the rights of all nations.

Nuri al-Maliki said Iran and Iraq can take giant steps towards success of their nations.