Qalibaf made the remarks upon his arrival in Baghdad on Wednesday at the head of a parliamentary delegation.
He said the visit is intended to contribute to strengthening a new order in the region and speeding up mutual cooperation among all regional countries without the intervention of foreign powers.
The speaker stressed that the Islamic countries of the region should pursue deep security interactions and ties, supported and reinforced by sustainable economic cooperation, adding that Iran is fully prepared to help realize such a regional model.
Qalibaf described the deep cultural and religious commonalities between the Iranian and Iraqi peoples as a unique opportunity for developing comprehensive cooperation, saying these ties have placed Baghdad high on his agenda.
He said he would hold intensive meetings during the visit with senior Iraqi government officials, members of parliament, and prominent political, economic and cultural figures.
Qalibaf also described the bond between the two nations as historical, deep-rooted and unbreakable. He said the two countries’ neighborhood is based on brotherhood, resistance to foreign interference, and a belief in a shared destiny.
Qalibaf finally expressed hope that the visit would lead to major steps toward consolidating endogenous security, expanding joint cooperation and improving the welfare of the two peoples, emphasizing that the countries’ strength and power lay in their brotherhood and solidarity.