Interior Minister Addresses Urgent Border Security and Drug Trafficking Issues with Iraqi Prime Minister
In a significant diplomatic visit, Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni engaged in discussions with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani in Baghdad, focusing on crucial topics such as border security and the ongoing battle against drug trafficking.
The Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office released a statement indicating that Momeni and al-Sudani explored various aspects of their bilateral relations, particularly the following key points:
- Border Security: The leaders prioritized discussions on securing their shared borders in accordance with existing bilateral agreements.
- Drug Trafficking: They emphasized the importance of cooperation in combating both arms and drug trafficking to enhance regional stability.
- Border Crossing Coordination: A focus was placed on improving coordination regarding activities at their border crossings.
Additionally, the two officials addressed the facilitation of pilgrimages for Iranians participating in the Arbaeen ceremony. They underscored the need to implement a memorandum of understanding between the Iranian and Iraqi interior ministries concerning the mutual recognition of driver’s licenses.
Momeni arrived in Baghdad for a two-day visit at the invitation of Iraqi counterpart Abdul Amir Kamel al-Shammari. He received a warm welcome from notable figures, including Lieutenant General Ziad, the Deputy Minister of Interior of Iraq, and Mohammad Kazem Al-Sadiq, the Iranian ambassador to Baghdad.
During his visit, Momeni and his delegation also paid homage at a memorial site at Baghdad airport, commemorating the lives of Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who were tragically killed in a U.S. airstrike in 2020.
