Iran and Iraq Reiterate Commitment to Implement Security Agreement, 2 OCT

 Iran and Iraq Reiterate Commitment to Implement Security Agreement, 2 OCT

General Ali-Akbar Ahmadian, the Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, and Qasim al-Araji, Iraq’s National Security Adviser, recently convened to discuss the implementation of the Tehran-Baghdad security agreement. The agreement, inked in March, is designed to bolster the security of the borders of both countries and eliminate any elements that could destabilize the region.

Securing Borders, Enhancing Relations

During their meeting, Ahmadian underscored the necessity of ensuring the security agreement’s strict and comprehensive implementation, suggesting that it serves as an effective roadmap for eradicating insecure elements within the two countries and the broader region. He also pointed to the abundant capacities for improving bilateral relations across different sectors.

Al-Araji reciprocated these sentiments, affirming Iraq’s dedication to the agreement’s full implementation. He also expressed Iraq’s willingness to explore every opportunity to develop and deepen relations with Tehran. The Iraqi official emphasized the determination of the Iraqi government and his National Security Council in implementing the security agreement.

Addressing Regional Security Concerns

The security agreement also addresses the issue of Kurdish groups active in the Arab country’s Kurdistan Region, which Iran identifies as terrorists. Under the agreement, Iraq has pledged to disarm these groups and relocate them to alternate camps.

The deadline to disarm and relocate these groups expired on September 19, with both Iranian and Iraqi authorities working tirelessly to implement the agreement. Political and security officials in Baghdad and the autonomous Iraqi Kurdistan region have confirmed that these groups have been relocated to camps inside Iraq, well away from the border with Iran, where they were previously conducting hit-and-run operations.

Setting The Stage For Sustainable Security

The successful implementation of the security agreement could signify the dawn of a new era of sustainable security for both Iran and Iraq, a development that could unlock significant economic benefits for both nations and the Iraqi Kurdistan region. The presence of the Kurdish militant groups had been a significant hurdle to such benefits, but with the security situation stabilizing along the Iran-Iraq border, new opportunities for economic prosperity could emerge.

Ahmadian also paid tribute to the Iraqi government for organizing the magnificent Arbaeen rituals and the hospitality of the Iraqi people toward Iranian pilgrims. He emphasized the political and cultural significance of these rituals in strengthening the bonds between the Shias in Iran and Iraq. This year, more than 3 million Iranians visited Iraq to mark Arbaeen.

Hopes for Deepened Ties

Both Ahmadian and al-Araji share a vision of deepened ties between Iran and Iraq, a sentiment reinforced by the successful implementation of the security agreement. Al-Araji said, “We will welcome and use any opportunity for developing and deepening Baghdad-Tehran ties.”

This high-level meeting and the mutual commitment to the security agreement underscore the ongoing diplomatic efforts by both Iran and Iraq to enhance their cooperation and ensure the security of their borders and the broader region, demonstrating their dedication to fostering mutual security and stability, which remains a priority in their bilateral relationship.

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