Alwaght- The Islamic Republic of Iran always supports an integrated and united Iraq, President Hassan Rouhani has said in Tehran at a meeting with Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani.
At a Sunday meeting with Barzani, President Rouhani said “All regional countries and ethnicities are duty-bound to defend a federal administration and help secure border demarcations in the region.”
"Indisputably, transregional powers and forces do not and will not feel any sympathy for people of the region,” said the Iranian chief executive.
The president pointed to attempts by foreigners at destabilizing the region and rendering it insecure, and emphasized regional cooperation to counter the push.
"Transregional powers and forces only think about achieving their own long-term goals,” he added.
President Rouhani also asserted that all regional ethnicities, including the Iraqi Kurds, should exercise their rights within the framework of their respective countries' constitutions and territorial integrity.
He also referred to Iranian investors' readiness to participate in the development projects of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and welcomed the Iraqi Kurdish business people's more active role in the Iranian market, saying: "We want more developed and prosperous Iran and Iraq, and this is in the interest of all nations of the region".
The Prime Minister of KRG for his part said "We always want a united Iraq, and we believe that all parties must be committed to the constitution of Iraq and seek solutions to the problems within the framework of the constitution".
We appreciate Iran's support in fighting ISIS, said Barzani, adding "We will not allow any threats from Kurdistan territory against Iran".
He also expressed willingness on the Iraqi Kurdistan's side to welcome Iranian investors' activities in the Region and called for strengthening of economic cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran.
In September 2016, the KRG defied stern warnings from Baghdad and several other states, including Iran, and held the referendum on separation from mainland Iraq. Kurdish officials said a majority of people had voted ‘Yes’ to secession.
The Israeli regime was the only foreign entity that voiced support for the failed secessionist push.
