Popular forces strengthen Iraq cohesion: Iran president

Tehran, March 12, IRNA- Iranian president hailed on Tuesday Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), also known as Hashd al-Shaabi, saying they strengthen the country's cohesion. “Hashd al-Shaabi has had and continues to have an important position to strengthen the cohesion among the Iraqi nation,” President Hassan Rouhani told Hashd al-Shaabi Chief Faleh al-Fayyaz. Rouhani, who is on a three-day state visit to Iraq, praised the “sacrifices” by the PMF against terrorists as well as its efforts to create stability and security in the country. “Fighting against terrorists in Iraq, which is an honor for Muslims and the Islamic World, was achieved through efforts by the Iraqi people,” he added. The Iranian president also expressed hope that “two nations reach their common objective of achieving regional peace and development.” Al-Fayyaz, who is also Iraq’s national security advisor, welcomed Rouhani’s visit to the country, saying “developing ties and cooperation between Iran and Iraq will pave the way for big developments in the region.” “Iraq always considers itself a defender of the Islamic Republic of Iran in all fields,” the head Hashd al-Shaabi forces said. Rouhani arrived in Baghdad on Monday and has held talks with high-level Iraqi politicians, such as the president and prime minister, as well as senior religious figures.