Leader of the Islamic Republic Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei warned of “fierce enmity” toward expansion of friendly relation between Iran and Iraq stressing the role of historical and religious bonds between the two countries.

"There is fierce enmity toward expansion of relations between Iran and Iraq and if there were no strong historical and religious bonds between the two countries, the state of relations would perhaps return to that of Saddam's era," Ayatollah Khamenei stated.

The Leader hailed the Iraqi people's hospitality toward Iranian pilgrims during the annual Arba’een commemorations and other religious rituals despite eight years of war between the two countries (in 1980s).

The Leader said the progress, prosperity, independence and development of Iraq are "of high importance" to Iran. "Expansion of bilateral cooperation and implementation of agreements are beneficial to the two countries." 

"The meaning of such a very important issue is that there are unifying factors between the two nations and the two states foreign political factors cannot influence. So, this opportunity should be used to further deepen relations and there should be serious care and vigilance for their continuation," Ayatollah Khamenei said.

The Leader said the current satisfactory situation in Iraq's government is the outcome of unity among the people and political groups.

The Iraqi president, for his part, appreciated support of the Iranian government and people for Iraq in its fight against terrorism at different times.